Hanoi: Vietnam shared its experience and perspectives on the challenges facing traditional media amid digital transformation at an ASEAN workshop in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with journalist Vo Hoang Long from e-newspaper VietnamPlus, the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), highlighting policy, human resources, technological and economic challenges, and emerging issues posed by artificial intelligence (AI). The workshop on mitigating negative impacts of digital transformation on traditional media was held on August 26 - 27, bringing together representatives from ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretariat, and media experts and speakers.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the event provided a platform for ASEAN member states to discuss strategies and solutions to address the pressing challenges traditional media is encountering in the digital age. The focus was on how technological advancements and the rise of digital platforms are reshaping the media landscape, posing risks to conventional media channels in terms of sustainability and relevance.

Participants at the workshop emphasized the importance of adaptive policy frameworks that can support traditional media outlets in navigating the digital shift. There was a consensus on the need for enhanced collaboration between governments, media organizations, and technology companies to ensure a balanced media environment where traditional and digital media can coexist and thrive.

The discussions also touched upon the role of artificial intelligence in media production and distribution, with an acknowledgment of both opportunities and threats it presents. The integration of AI in journalism was seen as a double-edged sword, offering possibilities for innovation while also posing ethical and operational challenges.

The workshop concluded with a call for sustained dialogue and cooperation among ASEAN countries to foster a resilient media ecosystem that can withstand the pressures of digital transformation while maintaining the integrity and quality of information disseminated to the public.