The role of newswav in promoting citizen journalism in Malaysia: impact, challenges, and ethical considerations

This study explores the role, significance, and implications of a Malaysian news aggregator, Newswav, in promoting citizen journalism, public discourse, and standards of journalism in Malaysia. Utilising a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews with journalists and media practitioners were conducted to understand their perspectives on user-generated content creation in Newswav and the perceived impact on encouraging public discourse. Additionally, a thematic analysis was applied to examine user-generated content on the platform, focusing on themes such as community engagement, diversity of content, and ethical considerations in journalism. Findings reveal that Newswav provides Malaysians with an outlet to share content and stories, particularly on hyper-local issues that are often unreported or overlooked by mainstream media. Journalists and media practitioners interviewed viewed the platform as a democratic space that facilitates the representation of underreported news and viewpoints. However, the platform also faces challenges in maintaining content accuracy and ensuring quality control of user contributions. Results suggest that while Newswav supports a more inclusive media and reporting landscape, it also contends with concerns related to reliability and accountability, particularly in the absence of formal journalistic training among contributors. In a broader context, the study illustrates that citizen journalism can be both empowering and potentially risky in terms of information integrity. The discussion emphasizes the need for clear guidelines, particularly ethical standards, to support contributors. Balancing openness with journalistic responsibility is crucial. This study contributes to understanding the evolving potential and limitations of citizen journalism, offering insights into how platforms like Newswav can sustain credibility while fostering active public participation.