KUALA LUMPUR: The Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) has urged individuals disputing news coverage to present facts and evidence rather than making personal insults against journalists.
SAM president Norismadi Abd Manap said athletes, coaches, officials and sports administrators had every right to question reports, but disagreements should be handled professionally.
"Everyone needs to respect writing, views and criticism presented professionally. If something is disputed, put forward facts and evidence for discussion," he said in a statement today.
"Criticism is allowed, but it should focus on the issue and be expressed courteously, without demeaning or insulting individuals."
SAM said dissatisfaction over coverage should be raised directly with the journalist or media organisation concerned to allow explanations to be given and disputed issues to be examined fairly.
Broad criticism, it added, could create a negative perception of the entire sports media fraternity.
Norismadi said the media served as an important link between athletes, officials, sports associations, government agencies and sponsors.
"The media do more than report competition results. They also convey information, views and developments that shape public understanding of Malaysian sport," he said.
"This role must be respected because the media are part of the ecosystem supporting the development of Malaysian sport."
SAM said professional journalism was grounded in evidence and facts gathered through interviews, research, verification and relevant sources.
Reports and criticism should be assessed within context, while factual errors should be brought to the media's attention with supporting evidence so appropriate corrections could be made.
The association also stressed that the pressure to publish quickly must be balanced with accuracy, context and fairness.
Respecting the media, it said, did not require agreement with every report or opinion, noting that a healthy relationship required a willingness to accept criticism, offer explanations and recognise the right to express views responsibly.
SAM added that it was ready to hear concerns from any party and provide a platform for constructive discussions.
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