Media War: Newspapers VS The Internet

VS


Recently, The Star declared a somewhat direct attack on local Internet content which extended from the front page of the papers to a full page write up inside.

With regards to the 2930 surveyed, there were 2 main summary points which caught my attention immediately:

1. Only 42% of Malaysian surf the Internet, of which only 6% surf on a daily basis
2. 53% of Malaysians watch TV daily

I belong to the 6% daily net surfers, and the 47% who do not watch the TV daily. Now I thought my habits are pretty usual, but I find ironic that I belong to the minority of the results. How do you fare? =)

I find it unnecessary that the papers (especially Malaysia's No.1 local English paper) had to take actions in justifying its position as the principal choice of media for Malaysians being a source of news and information.

Clearly, it has to be part and parcel of receiving much heat from the local Internet content - blasting and exposing local political figures in manners beyond their control.

Right now, the war waging in line with the General Elections: Barison Nasional VS The Opposition (Barisan Rakyat) has led to an inclusion of the apparent war between the media types:

Newspapers and Television Channels (mostly government controlled) VS The Internet (mainly referring to Bloggers - yes, that could be you.)

From the papers, a quote from the article: "IIUM's Prof Datuk Dr Syed Arabi Idid said the poll results were highly revealing of the Malaysians’ distrust of the Internet, and agreed that the newspaper and television were still the main information staple of the public."

Meanwhile from the Internet, read also a post from a net citizen to Datuk Wong Chun Wai, Group Chief Editor of The Star on political statements made in the papers.

Many opposition supporters have also encouraged others to boycott the main stream media until election is over.

My question is: what's your take?

P.S: for more Internet news, do check out the following sites and make your own decision on your preferred trusted source of staple information.


As for the papers, just head to your nearest newstand.

2 comments:

  1. I personally have stopped reading our local newspapers (used to read them online), not because I see them as pro-government biased, but because I can't seem to find the time. It's a lot quicker to flip through the papers than reading them online, clicking on each article.

    But I still keep myself updated especially regarding the General Election (which just passed and sent a warning message to our ruling government) as I do check the online news and I do get my fair share of forwarded non-mainstream e-mails and articles.

    But sometimes you do wonder whether these articles are authentic? The opposition, just like the government, would say anything to get your vote.

    I supposed it depends on how discerning the readers are... to determine whether the information is true or not.

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  2. I'm sure there is always going to be a slant to whichever media type we choose to read - due to editorial biaseness.

    However, it was quite dreadful to read the major newspapers two weeks before the election as the news were all propaganda based.

    I have to say that the election results has brought much joy in comparison to some heartache within the rakyat.

    Looking forward, we're all looking forward to changes. Hopefully we are not disappointed this time. =)

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