KUCHING: The media's ability to access information is essential in producing quality and accurate reporting that will better inform the public.
Sarawak's The Star reporter, Sharon Ling, said the media had a role to serve as a bridge between information sources and the public.
She said access to accurate information allowed the media to inform the public about current events, issues and developments, thus enabling people to make informed decisions in their personal lives.
"This is why, more importantly, I think government ministries and agencies involved in developing policies for the public can look into providing better media access to information.
"On the whole, the media in Sarawak enjoy good relations with official sources of information but there is always room for improvement."
Ling, who has been a journalist for 23 years, proposed a discussion on the topic of access to information during the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2024 to be held here from May 25 to 27.
On improving the media industry in Sarawak, she hoped that more training could be provided to improve journalists' skills, not only in reporting and writing but also in understanding issues of specific interest to the state.
"Issues such as green energy, carbon trading and state-federal relations involve great technicality and understanding, with better training we can report on these issues with greater depth and insight."
Natasha Jee, a reporter from the New Sarawak Tribune, said the mental health and wellbeing of journalists should be discussed during Hawana.
She said this aspect of journalism was often sidelined compared with other topics like media freedom and ethics.
"This has to be addressed, members of the media are often in a rush, meeting deadlines and have irregular sleep patterns.
"Maybe it would be beneficial to see initiatives aimed at improving their health and wellbeing."
Hawana 2024, themed "Etika Teras Kewartawanan Mapan", will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 27. — BERNAMA