Maran Perianen is the founder and editor of Citizen’s Journal, a community news outlet focused on citizen journalism. He’s also co-founder of the Far East Documentary Centre.
Perianen has extensive experience as a video journalism trainer and has worked throughout Southeast Asia.
He says that his engagement with ICFJ has played a major role in his professional development. “It reinforced the idea that citizens, when equipped with the right knowledge and tools, can become powerful agents of change in their communities,” he said.
Perianen is from Malaysia and is based in Kuala Lumpur.
This interview has been edited slightly.
How have you been involved with ICFJ over the years?
I began my journey with one of ICFJ's programs in Malaysia, specifically through a DRL grant awarded to Malaysiakini in 2008. Later, I was promoted to program director at Malaysiakini, overseeing the Citizen Journalism program.
I designed and organized training programs nationwide, empowering everyday citizens to report on various issues. The program, which ran until 2013, trained over 800 individuals. Many of them have since advanced into roles as journalists, media officers, political aides, and other media-related professions.
What was the biggest outcome from participating in the program?
One of the biggest achievements of the program was the profound impact it had on the participating citizens. It not only empowered them to report on stories that were close to their hearts but also those that were crucial to their communities. Previously, they lacked a proper channel to disseminate such stories. The availability of a platform that valued citizen contributions became a game-changer, allowing them to share stories that mattered.
A prime example of this impact is the work of citizen journalist Jimmy Leow from Penang, who reported on an abandoned highway. His report caught the attention of the state government, which then prompted the Public Works Department to address the issue immediately. This was a pivotal moment, as it highlighted the tangible impact citizen journalism could have on local governance and community wellbeing.
The influence of the citizen journalists grew further when mainstream media began noticing their reportage. Malaysiakini, an independent news outlet, went beyond its traditional approach by integrating citizen journalists into its editorial process. They started assigning stories to these citizen reporters and recognized the value of their contributions. To further enhance their skills, Malaysiakini even embedded citizen journalists with their professional reporters, allowing them to learn the intricacies of journalism.
By the end of the training program, it was clear that empowering citizens with journalistic skills not only provided them with a voice but also fostered integrity and factual reporting. This empowerment led to increased participation in information dissemination, ultimately creating positive changes in their communities.
Through the modules we developed, we also trained a diverse range of communities, from Indigenous groups in the remote interiors of Borneo, where access is limited, to migrant workers in Peninsular Malaysia. Moreover, the impact of our program extended beyond Malaysia, as various organizations across Southeast Asia replicated our citizen journalism program.
What is something impactful you have worked on since participating in an ICFJ program that you are proud of and would want to highlight?
The program conceptualized through ICFJ was a transformative experience that underscored the critical importance of citizen participation in democracy. Through the program, we recognized the necessity of equipping citizens with the tools to discern credible information amidst the overwhelming presence of propaganda, misinformation and fake news, especially in today’s social media-driven landscape. By educating citizens on ethical news gathering and responsible dissemination, we empowered them to contribute meaningfully to society, thereby strengthening the democratic process.
One of the most impactful outcomes of this initiative was the development of a comprehensive module deeply rooted in ethical journalistic practices. This module has played a significant role in fostering a culture of responsible citizenship, where individuals are not only informed but also committed to upholding the values of truth and integrity in their communities.
ICFJ’s guidance was instrumental in shaping this module. Their emphasis on preserving democratic values and promoting ethical journalism resonated throughout the program, helping us better understand the role of informed citizens in maintaining a healthy democracy. The program didn’t just educate; it inspired a movement of ethical citizen journalists who are now actively participating in the democratic process, ensuring that factual and credible information prevails in the public sphere.
Why is it so important right now to provide the kind of support to journalists that ICFJ does, especially in Southeast Asia?
Supporting journalists in Southeast Asia is more critical than ever, given the region's unique challenges. The rise of authoritarianism, coupled with increasing censorship, violence, and threats against journalists, has created a precarious environment for media professionals. Moreover, the region is grappling with a surge in propaganda, fake news, and misinformation, which are often disseminated rapidly through social media platforms.
Southeast Asia's diverse populations and rapidly growing digital landscape make it a fertile ground for the spread of misinformation. Social media, while a powerful tool for communication, has also become a double-edged sword, amplifying false narratives and creating echo chambers that fuel division. In such a context, the role of journalists in providing accurate, reliable information becomes even more vital.
ICFJ's support is indispensable in this environment. Their programs equip journalists and citizens alike with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of modern media. These initiatives foster ethical journalistic practices, helping to combat misinformation and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
What are you currently working on that you’re excited about?
We're currently working on an exciting project funded by Think City to map hyper-local news in Penang. This initiative is particularly thrilling because it revives our earlier objective of mapping community stories, which we had to pause due to budget constraints. The grant provides the momentum we need to re-engage with this goal, and we’re optimistic about expanding these community maps to larger cities across Malaysia. By doing so, we aim to transform how news and information are presented and get communities excited about hyper-local news.
What kind of difficulties as a journalist have you faced in Malaysia? If applicable, how has ICFJ helped alleviate or support journalists with these difficulties?
When I began as a video journalist, one of the major challenges was harassment from authorities due to the political climate in Malaysia. This included restrictions on reporting freedom, frequent lawsuits, confrontations with police, and threats from the public. Although the situation has improved somewhat over the past decade, journalists in Malaysia still encounter significant hurdles in their reporting. These obstacles include pressure from authorities and politicians. If ICFJ had more resources, it could play a crucial role in advocating for press freedom by engaging with policymakers and the government to address these issues at a systemic level.
Why did you choose to become a journalist?
I come from a broadcasting background, where I worked as a producer and director primarily on documentary content. This experience was still rooted in journalistic and factual reporting. When the opportunity arose to join Malaysiakini, I seized it without hesitation. The ability to capture and produce news content provided me with immense satisfaction, especially when I saw the positive impact of my work on the public.
Covering diverse issues, from politics to community displacement, left a significant mark on me. As I sought new challenges, I took on the role of managing and running a citizen journalism program. Looking back on my twenty years in the field, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing that I've contributed meaningfully, fairly and truthfully.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring journalist?
My advice to an aspiring journalist is to always follow the path of facts. If you remain committed to impartiality and truthfulness, you'll navigate challenges successfully. Remember that the impact of your work endures long after you're gone, influencing society for years to come. Prioritize the betterment of society over personal gain, and let that principle guide your journalism.