The so-called ‘hipster’ portals have the potential to establish themselves as potent forces in the country if they practice good journalism ethics.

 

Defined as portals which disseminate information and news but without using traditional newswriting methods, Gerakan Media Marah (Geramm) and Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) took a closer look at them in a forum they organised titled 'Hipster portals: a new force in media'.

 

Astro Awani editor Noor Azam Shairi said the emergence of such portals, which are cashing in on the power of viral marketing are forces to be reckoned with.

 

"Years ago, when traditional news portals such as Malaysiakini and the Malaysian Insider emerged, people said they wouldn't last long. But ten years on, they are still here," he said at the conclusion of the forum held at Malaysiakini’s premises in Petaling Jaya.

 

 

Popular hipster portals include buzzfeed.com , lifehacker.com and cracked.com , on the international front.

 

Meanwhile more and more of Malaysian 'hipster' portals such as Cilisos.my , thevocket.com and siakapkeli.com are also making their mark on Malaysian news consumers.

 

Another panelist, Cilisos.my 's chief editor Lau Chak Onn, said although their subjects were the same, the differences were in packaging and marketing.

 

He also stressed that he adheres to journalism ethics. 

 

"The way I see it, information is like water, we spread it the way we see fit. However I always try to make sure that the information I disseminate is easy for everyone to comprehend," he added.

 

The other panellists in the forum were The Edge 's Terrence Fernandez and freelance writer Hafidz Baharom.

 

The forum was held in conjunction with ‘World Press Festival’. The event also aimed to highlight press freedom issues in line with the recent World Press Freedom day celebrated earlier this month.

 

Geramm also launched their book project, which aimed to record the history of the struggle for press freedom in Malaysia.

 

Around 100 people made up of the media, as well as activists and supporters of press freedom, gathered since 2pm to join the two forums.

 

The main organiser, Geramm, thanked everyone involved in the celebration and wished that the fight for press freedom would be ingrained not only in every reporter but in every single citizen who wished for true democracy.