KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to take proactive measures to ensure print media remains relevant amid the proliferation of online media, even suggesting that ministries, government agencies and departments be required to purchase advertising space in newspapers.

Universiti Malaya Department of Political Science, Public Administration and Development Studies senior lecturer Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said this step would be timely, considering the increasing challenges faced by print media companies due to technological advancements that are driving readers towards digital content.

“The government should also mandate subscriptions to printed newspapers in all government offices and implement specific initiatives for civil servants who purchase newspapers, such as incorporating it into their annual KPI (key performance indicator) evaluations.

“This could help boost newspaper sales and revitalise print newspaper subscriptions in the country,” he told Bernama.

Additionally, he suggested the government reduce taxes on paper to offset production costs, and provide other tax incentives for print media companies, such as transportation tax relief, to help ensure the industry’s longevity.

Mohammad Tawfik stressed that the print media industry plays a crucial role for segments of society seeking information and the latest news, adding that not everyone is tech-savvy enough to use online platforms.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said the survival of local newspaper companies is essential to provide checks and balances to online news.

He added that print media also serves as a reference for readers seeking verified news in a physical form.

Therefore, he suggested the government continue to pressure online platform owners like Google, Meta and TikTok to pay for news content from local media companies, which also publish print newspapers, to help cover the rising costs of printing.

He also urged local media companies with print platforms to intensify their efforts and be more creative in attracting more advertising from private companies, government agencies and non-governmental organisations.

“Continuous efforts are needed to ensure the survival of print media companies because the public needs a form of reading material that is officially recognised and tangible, which can stimulate interest in reading.

“In addition, the role of print media is vital in shaping the thoughts and perceptions of the public with more ethical and controlled reporting, as opposed to some news components on social media that may be misleading,” he said.

Meanwhile, UiTM Faculty of Communication and Media Studies journalism lecturer Fadzillah Aishah Ismail said the government should encourage the public to buy or subscribe to reading materials by increasing the individual tax relief under the lifestyle category, which is currently capped at RM2,500.

She said this could encourage public participation in continuing to use physical reading material.

She added that this would be a win-win effort to foster the reading culture among the people, while also boosting demand for print media.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/17/govt-urged-to-take-steps-to-keep-print-media-alive