Journalism, Disruption and the Pandemic

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo delivers his speech virtually during the commemoration of 2021 National Press Day in Ancol, North Jakarta, on Tuesday (9/2/2021. In his address at the event themed “Rising from the Pandemic, Jakarta as the Gateway to Economic Recovery with the Press as the Accelerator of Change”, the President expressed appreciation for all members of the press who had helped the government in educating the public to be disciplined in adhering to health protocols to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The celebration of National Press Day on February 9 was shrouded by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has put a damper on our economy and hearts.

During the pandemic, the national press has made significant contributions. First – do not misunder-stand this for self-absorption – it requires courage for journalists to report directly from the scene. This job is risky, even when health protocols are strictly observed. We have witnessed many journal-ists falling victim to COVID-19.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in his remarks at the State Palace, broadcast online to the press community in Ancol, Jakarta as well as in other cities across the country, expressed appreciation to the national press for making positive contributions by reporting news about the pandemic and mass vaccinations, as well as maintaining optimism among the public. The efforts have been made with devotion and dedication to the profession.

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On the other hand, the pandemic has also provided an opportunity for the national press to grow. The pandemic is a once in a lifetime experience for all journalists. The last time a pandemic occurred was a century ago.

This phenomenon has been going on for a while, and many media companies have fallen victim because of this disruption by going into bankruptcy.

The national press has adopted not only new acronyms such as PSBB (large-scale social restrictions) and technical words like herd immunity, messenger RNA (mRNA), and epidemiology, but also how the authority responds to the pandemic. With all the complexities, they try to balance health (brake) and the economy (gas). These lessons were learned when the media industry struggled with digital disruption. This phenomenon has been going on for a while, and many media companies have fallen victim because of this disruption by going into bankruptcy.

KOMPAS/PRIYOMBODO

Mustawan sells Kompas newspapers at the Ratu Plaza pedestrian bridge, Central Jakarta, on Friday (3/7/2020). Transjakarta bus passengers, mostly office workers in the Senayan area, are among his customers.

We should admit that digital disruption is harsh – like COVID-19, and no one knows when it will end. The transition from conventional to digital media has not brought the expected result, i.e. stable rev-enue, putting many news companies in limbo. To address this issue, President Jokowi offered his sympathy in his remarks and will introduce new policy to lighten the burden shouldered by news companies.

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Facing digital disruption, social issues, political turmoil, and economic crisis, the national press must fight for its survival while maintaining its sense of responsibility. Successful digital transformation and business model innovation are crucial for the national press, so we can keep sounding optimism to the people and the nation.

KOMPAS/MEGANDIKA WICAKSONO

Imam Ambarwoto (right), a reporter of the Trans7 television station for Banyumas Regency hands over a package of staple foods during an event to celebrate the 2021 National Press Day in Purwokerto, Banyumas, Central Java on Tuesday (9/2/2021). KOMPAS / MEGANDIKA WICAKSONO

The celebration of the 2021 National Press Day will undoubtedly be unique – as we have no prece-dent – to stand straight, recover, and find the fighting spirit. As we mentioned in an article on Tues-day, to maintain the spirit we must protect the national press ecosystem.

(This article was translated by Lionel Priyadi).