The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) remains committed to ensuring that it is the number one agency in the local media industry and remains relevant in the dissemination of news as it celebrates its 56th anniversary today.

After over half a century in the industry, Bernama is confident of becoming a more innovative news organisation in channeling information quickly and effectively through its Wires news service, television and radio channels and digital platforms.

Bernama chief executive officer Roslan Ariffin said Bernama wants to further increase its efforts and make improvements in line with current technological developments to meet the needs of the community through the years.

“Bernama has also been exploring the boundaries and processes of the various digital platforms to ensure that it continues to be a trusted media source and a point of reference for all parties.

“This is important because the demands of society has now gone beyond tastes and preferences as the new generation is skilled and advanced in information technology,” he said.

Roslan said as a news agency established under the Ministry of Communications and Digital, Bernama hopes to spread its wings across the globe as well as become an inspiration to young people who aspire to make journalism as their career.

As the country’s leading media organisation, he said Bernama has a big role in channeling reliable and accurate news and information along with its function as a content provider.

He said Bernama, which is also faced with various challenges due to the development of social media use, must utilise the new media as a platform for fast dissemination of news to reach a broader audience.

Bernama, established under an Act of Parliament on April 6, 1967 and officially launched on August 30, 1967 in conjunction with the country’s 10th year of independence, began operations on May 20, 1968.

Over the years, the agency has continued to remain true to its mission to produce and disseminate news and information in an accurate, speedy, fair and objective manner in the nation’s interest.

Currently, Bernama has a staff strength of nearly 1,000 consisting of permanent, contract and part-time employees, including management, administrative and marketing staff (non-editorial staff) serving the various media platforms.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency