Freedom of the press and media ethics have long been topics of discussion not only in Malaysia, but around the globe.
Journalists act as gatekeepers in the mass communication process, and the trust between writer and reader hinges on accuracy of facts, ethical behaviour and a lack of bias.
The media should be independent of any business or political agenda, so that they may deliver news directly, honestly and fearlessly, regardless of how it may be received.
Driven by the age of ‘fake news’, more and more people are discrediting and denouncing the media, even going as far as to attack them. As such, educating a nation on the importance of journalism and the media is also part and parcel of changing public perception.
The University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) — in their mission to address these issues as part of the Master’s degree (MA) in Media, Communications and Culture — will allow students to take part in the CNN Academy programme.
The module will educate and prepare new and experienced journalists, towards a more diversified and resilient media landscape. The collaboration involves giving students access to The CNN Academy Hub, where they will take part in a number of online live seminars and then gain hands on experience at the inaugural CNN Academy Newsroom Simulation taking place at the Yas Creative Hub in Abu Dhabi.
“At UNM, we want to empower the next generation of global journalists at a time when fake news is all too prevalent,” said UNM Interim Provost and CEO, Professor Sarah Metcalfe.
“By partnering with CNN, one of the world’s leading news organisations, we are able to deliver thefirst programme of its kind in Malaysia, changing the way we teach journalism in this digital era.
The impact of this partnership extends beyond UNM, across Malaysia and into the wider region, especially in promoting responsible and ethical reporting, and the dissemination of trustworthy news and information,” said Professor Metcalfe.
“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with University of Nottingham Malaysia to continue our collaboration on CNN Academy. Over four decades, CNN journalists have reported the news to the highest standards of journalism, promoting the values of independence, integrity and objectivity. It is our privilege to take that knowledge and expertise through our CNN Academy programme to now guide and empower the future generation of journalists,” said CNN International Commercial Content Sales and Partnerships Director Gregg Rockman.
The partnership was signed recently by UNM Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning and Associate Professor Dr Hazel Melanie Ramos, and CNN International Commercial Content Sales and Partnerships Director, Gregg Rockman, and witnessed by UNM Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Dr Jason Pandya-Wood, and Associate Dean of FASS and Associate Professor, Dr Joanne Lim Bee Yin.
