Mainstream newspapers in Malaysia: Impact of the online alternative media

This dissertation examines the impact of the online alternative media on the traditional newspapers in Malaysia. The country’s newspapers are controlled by commercial and political interests but the press needs a major transformation to compete with the alternative media effectively. The study relies on various sources of information on the contemporary history of the media and in-depth interviews in Malaysia. The findings show that the alternative media have been a positive influence on press freedom and journalism in the country. However, a significant transformation of the press will not be possible without a change of government.