Future of Media in Asia

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Introduction: What the Future Holds for the Media in Asia

   Danilo Araña Arao

   Abstract

   This chapter gives an overview of the media systems in Asia focusing on the issues and challenges related to artificial intelligence, digital technology and media practice. This also presents the state of research on the future of media and explains how this book helps contribute to the existing body of knowledge on future studies. The last part discusses the chapters that comprise this book and addresses the question as to what the future holds for the media in Asia. By examining various dimensions within the context of the future of media in Asia, the studies contained in this book contribute valuable insights to the dynamic discourse on future studies, at the same time offering a nuanced understanding of the possibilities that await the Asian media.

3. Artificial Intelligence

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 2. Co-opting Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good: Challenges and Opportunities for Investigative Journalists in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines

      Clusters of Future Studies: Past and Futures; Technological Trends Karol Ilagan

      Abstract

      This qualitative research examines the uptake of artificial intelligence (AI) in investigative reporting practices in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. By interviewing reporters, data editors, and newsroom leaders, this research sheds light on the intricate interplay between journalism practice and technological innovation. While practitioners see potential in AI and realise the need to harness it, the findings indicate a low adoption due to restricted opportunities to apply it, lack of editorial strategy, and limited knowledge and training. This is happening within the broader context of threats to the sustainability of independent media and the scepticism over AI and its ethical use. As mid- and large-sized news organisations in the Global North start to embrace AI, newsrooms in the three Southeast Asian countries are taking moderate steps, increasing the likelihood of missed opportunities given the rapid evolution of the technology. The paper concludes with a proposed research agenda on the study of investigative reporting and AI in Asia.

   3. Chapter 3. Generative AI Usage in the Newsroom: Case Study of Thailand

      Cluster of Future Studies: Technological Trends Jessada Salathong, Monwipa Wongrujira, Suthimanat Chinakarapong

      Abstract

      This chapter explores the integration of Generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, within Thai newsrooms, highlighting its potential and challenges. Based on interviews with key informants from leading Thai news organisations, the study examines how AI is reshaping news production, from brainstorming and topic generation to writing and reporting. While ChatGPT facilitates creative ideation and secondary data synthesis, concerns persist regarding its reliability, accuracy, and limited capabilities in primary data gathering. Adoption remains constrained by language barriers and insufficient AI literacy among journalists. Key findings identify three user categories—novices, users, and experts—based on their proficiency and application of ChatGPT. Novices engage experimentally, users apply AI strategically with training, and experts integrate it extensively, leveraging advanced features. Although ChatGPT assists in producing patterned content and evergreen articles, its role in real-time news reporting is minimal, as it lacks contextual nuance and data verification capabilities. The chapter underscores the need for targeted training in AI prompt engineering and robust organisational policies to ensure ethical AI usage. Recommendations focus on fostering AI literacy, establishing data management systems, and addressing ethical concerns. By adopting a multi-faceted approach, Thai newsrooms can responsibly harness AI’s potential to enhance content quality, streamline workflows, and sustain journalistic integrity.

   4. Chapter 4. Navigating New Realities: The Potential of Generative AI's Roles in Malaysian Creative Industry

      Cluster of Future Studies: Technological Trends Johari Abdullah, Hasnizam Abdul Wahid, Muhammad Jameel Mohamed Kamil

      Abstract

      This chapter presents an initial investigation into the potential transformative impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Malaysia's creative media industry, emphasizing its emerging integration and potential implications across various sectors such as digital art, film, music, and interactive media. The study employs a conceptual approach, supplemented by case studies, to illustrate how Generative AI could revolutionize content creation processes and enhance audience engagement through innovative technology applications. Additionally, the chapter explores key areas where AI technologies might foster new forms of artistic expression and optimize production workflows, indicating significant shifts in both economic and social landscapes within the creative sectors. It addresses crucial ethical concerns, focusing on challenges related to authenticity, copyright, and the risk of cultural homogenization. The need for stringent regulatory frameworks to manage intellectual property rights in the era of AI-driven content creation is highlighted as a primary consideration. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the economic impacts of AI, highlighting the dual potential for increasing productivity and causing job displacement in traditional creative roles. The conclusion points towards future trends in AI integration, suggesting that ongoing technological advancements could offer more personalized and immersive media experiences. This initial exploration aims to provide academics, industry professionals, and policymakers with insights into the nascent state of AI within the Malaysian creative media landscape. It underscores the strategic importance of developing an AI-inclusive innovation ecosystem that not only leverages AI's potential to enhance the creative industries but also ensures that such advancements uphold cultural integrity and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

   5. Chapter 5. Toward Virtual-Ordinary Nexus in Futuristic Chinese Media: A Digital and Affect-Inflected Ethnography of ASOUL VTubers’ Livestreams

      Clusters of Future Studies: Past & Futures; Technological Trends Dongyang Li

      Abstract

      Converging AI/VR technologies and everyday media practice of livestreaming, a new type of virtual anthropomorphism has been exercised on the emerging subcultural genre of the ‘VTuber’. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, VTubers in China have gained momentum as their livestreams offer an alternative articulation of the ‘metaverse’ where viewers are expected to deal with loneliness, social anxieties, and life’s hardships by projecting an optimistic and promised future. Against this backdrop, this conceptual chapter intends to empirically investigate a popular VTuber group ‘ASOUL’, providing a case situated in China that blends virtuality, future speculation, and everyday lives. By conducting a digital and affect-inflected ethnography, my study focuses on the affective co-production between VTubers and viewers through a form of everyday interaction (danmu) in livestreams. Such ethnographic research on chosen Vtubers’ (Jia-Ran and Jia-Le, two topical members of ASOUL) livestreams demonstrates their potential in co-creating digital affects with viewers, which may complicate the binary structures of technologies versus human, the future versus the present, and the virtual versus the everyday. This, I argue, challenges the optimistic speculation prevalent in the digital China of today, but sheds light on the potential of VTubers and their corresponding digital affects in (re-)mediating the everyday world.

   6. Chapter 6. The AI News Anchor in Asia: Cultural Identity, Belonging, and Communication Patterns

      Cluster of Future Studies: Technological Trends Cringuta Irina Pelea

      Abstract

      This chapter aims to examine the AI news anchor phenomenon while focusing on Asian media. With this primary objective in mind, the present empirical study addresses how the representation of android AI news anchors in various Asian countries connects with classical approaches in (1) cultural studies and (2) communication sciences while integrating (3) an ethical perspective. In order to address this objective satisfactorily, a qualitative research approach combining content analysis (n=148) with video data analysis (n=78) was deemed most appropriate. As secondary objectives, we seek to explore (i) the self-asserted identity of AI news anchors, (ii) the human anchor–AI anchor interaction, communication, and dynamics, and (iii) to highlight future directions of progress and challenges in Asian media ecologies, with an inevitable impact at a global level. The ground-breaking innovation of this research is two-fold. To the best of our knowledge, our scholarly contribution represents the first academic examination of a substantial number of AI news anchors and demonstrates the existence of sociocultural and religious identity markers in the screen activity of Asian AI news anchors while advancing the idea that the academic field of communication sciences is facing a fundamental paradigm transformation.

4. Digital Technology

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 7. The Future of Asian Cinema: Navigating the Space Between Technology, Community, and Aesthetics

      Clusters of Future Studies: Past and Futures; Post-Normality and Complexity; Technological Trends Ella Raidel

      Abstract

      In the aftermath of the pandemic, Asian film festivals faced challenges in reimagining cinema’s future, exploring new modes of production and sensory experiences beyond traditional formats. Drawing from Roland Barthes’ phenomenological approach, which views idiorhythmic relationships as mediating individuality and togetherness, this paper examines Asian cinema-to-come through post-human and post-cinematic frameworks. The future of Asian cinema is not predetermined but shaped by collective engagement in communal practices. This study highlights recent Asian film festivals and museum installations, testing the boundaries of aesthetic experiences through VR narratives and art installations. An emerging Asian film community, distinct from Hollywood, thrives on the affective labour of regional alliances, offering an alternative to dominant transnational narratives. Post-cinema aesthetics reflect a shift in marginal perspectives, reconfiguring identity within regional collectives. These communities prioritize imagination and introspection, addressing societal, economic, and ecological changes through unique cinematic expressions. Asian cinema-to-come crafts transformative aesthetic experiences that engage the senses, challenging hegemonic systems and redefining regional identity. By embracing self-examination and collective creativity, it serves as a guide for the next transformation, offering new ways of imagining and relating to the world.

   3. Chapter 8. Incredible Past and Future of the ‘Diginimated’ Media Culture in India

      Cluster of Future Studies: Technological Trends Janet Aver Adikpo, Rahul Ramling Kapure

      Abstract

      This conceptual chapter examines India’s digital animation industry, focusing on its historical evolution, challenges and prospects. The primary goal is to elucidate the factors shaping the industry's trajectory and identify key opportunities and obstacles for its continued growth and development. Through a review of the literature, the chapter employs the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to analyse the factors influencing the adoption and integration of digital animation tools in the Indian media landscape. By synthesising theoretical perspectives with real-world examples, the chapter emphasises the transformative potential of digital animation in projecting India. This chapter underscores the need for collaboration to navigate the evolving landscape of India's digital animation industry. Key takeaways from this chapter include perceptions of the transformative potential of digital animation for India's cultural expression, economic development and soft power projection. High points are the importance of responsible content creation, digital literacy initiatives and regulatory frameworks in addressing emerging challenges such as misinformation, privacy concerns and mental health implications.

   4. Chapter 9. Sovereign Consumers in a Pro-local Media Ecosystem: The Future of OTT Streaming in India

      Clusters of Future Studies: Past and Futures; Technological Trends; Post-normality and Complexity; Humanity at the Limen Sony Jalarajan Raj, Adith K. Suresh, Devadas Menon

      Abstract

      This chapter is a review-based examination of the future of Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming platforms in India. The significant shift brought about by OTT platforms has redefined the creation and distribution of regional content, granting creators unprecedented freedom from content moderation. While this freedom enhances artistic expression and user satisfaction, it raises concerns about its impact on cultural production through media. This chapter employs a literature review approach to analyse the future of OTT in India within a media discourse that leans towards establishing a pro-local media language. It addresses the limitations of existing censorship comparisons between traditional Indian television and OTT platforms, emphasising the need for a more nuanced understanding of content moderation on Indian OTT platforms. The significant impact of OTT streaming platforms in India is that they challenge traditional media paradigms and contribute to a new cultural mode of interactivity. By promoting global and local content, OTTs are fostering a dynamic hybrid culture industry that reconfigures existing cultural norms and practices.

   5. Chapter 10. Social Media and the Impact on Political Discourse in Malaysia

      Clusters of Future Studies: Past and Futures; Humanity at the Limen; Technological Trends Mumtaz Aini Alivi

      Abstract

      The dominance of new media, especially via social media, has transformed the way Malaysians consume political information compared to previous decades when they heavily relied on traditional media. Social media has emerged as a potent tool for conveying political messages and influencing people's choices for their political leaders. This conceptual paper aims to underscore the use of social media and its impact on shaping public opinion in the political discourse of Malaysia. In the recent general elections, politicians actively utilized social media to communicate their political messages to the public, showcasing a significant influence on the election results. Social media platforms act as virtual town halls, providing a platform for people to actively engage in two-way communication with their political leaders, allowing them to express their opinions and seek clarifications. Platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram play a crucial role in delivering political messages in an engaging manner, capturing people's attention, and influencing them to support specific political parties or leaders. Politicians have increasingly recognized the reach and impact of social media in connecting with a broader audience. This medium offers several advantages compared to the limited access of traditional media, attracting both the public and politicians to utilize its capabilities. Social media has become a prominent source of political information for Malaysians, featuring diverse approaches, including the practice of citizen journalism. This has led to a proliferation of perspectives in political discourse, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of political issues. Undoubtedly, social media has spurred active engagement in political discourse, causing a transformative effect on the political landscape in Malaysia. The medium's dynamic nature and accessibility have facilitated a democratization of information, allowing citizens to participate more actively in political conversations. As a result, social media has played a pivotal role in shaping opinions, influencing choices, and fostering a more interactive and diversified political environment in Malaysia. However, there are some issues that need to be taken into consideration while using social media as a tool for political discourse, such as the crucial problem of fake news.

5. Media Practice

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 11. Navigating Asian Media: The Impact of Trendy Dramas on Future East Asian Pop Culture Shifts and Global Culture

      Clusters of Future Studies: Past and Futures; Technological Trends Hsin-Pey Peng

      Abstract

      Over the past decade, East Asia, particularly South Korea, Taiwan, and China, has undergone a seismic shift in its cultural landscape. This transition marks a departure from Western-centric appreciation towards a genuine reinterpretation of Asian identity, transcending borders and nationalism. This evolution is intricately linked to the surge in local content creation within a global context. This paper delves into the dynamic trajectory of East Asian popular culture in South Korea, Taiwan, and China, with a specific focus on trendy drama production. We examine how these dramas have evolved from their inception to becoming symbolic representations of new values shaping an imagined East Asian community. Through a synthesis of literature and trend analysis, we elucidate the role of the Japanese TV industry as a catalyst for transformation in East Asian television production. Furthermore, contemporary cultural representations in South Korea, Taiwan, and China reflect a unique convergence of Asian perspectives and Western influences, signifying the evolution of East Asian popular culture. By tracing the evolution of trendy dramas, we highlight the emergence of values associated with Asian modernity, empowering East Asian audiences to reclaim and redefine their cultural identity. Looking ahead, this article explores the potential future directions of East Asian media, pointing to innovation in narrative techniques and cross-cultural collaborations likely to influence global media trends. This paper aims to provide insights into the future progress of Asian media, underscoring the pivotal role of trendy dramas in reconfiguring cultural identities in the region.

   3. Chapter 12. The Future of Work in the Malaysian Film and Television Industry: Risks and Opportunities

      Cluster of Future Studies: Past and Futures Nur Kareelawati Abd Karim

      Abstract

      This chapter is based on an empirical study that employs Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) to examine the risks and opportunities shaping the future of the Malaysian film and television industry. The research uncovers the structural, cultural, and technological factors that affect the workforce and production environment through interviews with professionals in these sectors and policy document analysis. This chapter explores governance challenges, the effects of rapid technological advancements, and the ongoing struggle to maintain cultural identity in a global media landscape. While these challenges may bring about certain risks, they also pave the way for industrial growth. Such initiatives as workforce upskilling, strategic application of artificial intelligence to enhance cultural authenticity, the film and television industry may continue to thrive. This chapter also suggests practical recommendations for policymakers such as aligning policies and industry's needs with the nation educational pathways, and advocating for sustainable practices. It is hoped that this chapter may contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the future of media production, creative and cultural industries.

6. Backmatter