KUCHING: Media organisations must prioritise transparency in their reporting processes, clearly outlining how information is sourced and verified. 

Having more experts in the newsroom could be advantageous in this regard, said Professor Charlie Beckett from the London School of Economics (LSE) in the United Kingdom. 

He was one of the invited keynote speakers to the Sarawak Media Convention (SMeC), on Sunday. 

Beckett emphasised that merely reporting events without conducting thorough research and verification leads to a loss of audience trust in the media.

“We need real experts in the newsroom and more people with scientific and legal knowledge,” said Beckett. 

He underscored the necessity of preventing misinformation that can erode public trust in the media.

“As professionals in the news industry, we need to collaborate more with others,” he added.

Beckett explained that by prioritising integrity and transparency, the media can rebuild and strengthen the trust of their audience, fostering a more informed and engaged society.

He emphasised the importance of building and maintaining trust and confidence in the media amidst the challenges of digital disruption.

He said in an era of rapid technological advancements and the prevalence of misinformation, fostering and sustaining trust in the media has become more crucial than ever.

The SMeC was organised to coincide with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA), from May 26 to 27.-UKASnews