Phos Sovann, director-general of the ministry’s General Department of Information and Broadcasting, was speaking at the opening of a seminar on "Media Leadership in 4th Industrial Revolution [IR4.0]"held in Siem Reap town. INFORMATION MINISTRY
A senior Ministry of Information official on July 14 called on leaders in the journalism and media sphere to adapt to the “unprecedented” fast pace of Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) developments, stressing that the linked scientific and technological advances have become key determinants of socio-economic trends and usher in both opportunities and challenges.
Phos Sovann, director-general of the ministry’s General Department of Information and Broadcasting, was speaking at the opening of a seminar on "Media Leadership in 4th Industrial Revolution [IR4.0]"held in Siem Reap town.
The transition to IR4.0 will give outlets the opportunity to increase productivity, work efficiency and quality of production at reduced operating costs, he said, pointing out that the associated technologies have encouraged as well as forced innovation and diversification in the media and entertainment industry.
"The digitalisation of the media has provided many opportunities, whereas legacy media institutions and journalists have faced challenges such as financial problems, job losses, the need for higher levels of education and skills for journalists, along with issues like the increase in false or misleading information, and crimes or offences related to information technology," Sovann said.
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To adapt to these technological developments and remain competitive on the market, leaders in the field require basic leadership skills such as quick decision-making, team-building and capacity-building, and need to step up the quality of their products, he suggested.
They must also create innovative business models, learn more about customer needs and recruit new management, while traditional leadership practices need to be replaced with "Leadership Structure" overseen by those with "Leader Characteristics", he added.
Union of Journalist Federations of Cambodia president Huy Vannak on July 14 acknowledged that technology today plays an important role in all areas of society, commenting that newspapers and other media outlets are embracing innovations, technology and digital solutions in their content delivery methods.
"The press is becoming almost a hybrid of all forms at once no matter which format. Television is now broadcasting on both social media and via antennas. The newspaper publishes articles but it also makes videos and is on social media, and radio does the same. So that means we are embracing technology and adapting to it," he said.
