New Dynamics of the Press

KOMPAS/RENY SRI AYU ARMAN

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD virtually spoke at the National Mass Media Convention in Kendari, Tuesday (8/2/2022). This activity is part of the 2022 National Press Day series..

We can give a lot of thought to celebrating National Press Day on 9 Feb. One such thought is regarding the national media’s spirit in the development of the country.

Although the commemorative event for National Press Day (HPN), to be held in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, must be reorganized because of the spread of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, we hope that the Kendari event will continue to generate new optimism for the press.

Also read:

> News Media’s Tabloidization

> National Press Day, Convergence and National Economic Recovery

An important point we can still raise in discussing the national press is the dynamics of its struggle with real issues, both those that concern itself and the public issues that are developing.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the press has contributed much by reporting on the various things the public needs to know to handle the pandemic.

The Kompas daily, with its motto “Friends in Change”, together with other national press outlets, continue to be fully dedicated in encouraging the public to not lose hope and to remain productive, no matter how difficult the situation gets.

RENY SRI AYU ARMAN

Exhibitors at one of the National Press Day exhibition stands in Kendari, Monday (7/2/2022). This national event is expected to be a place to promote the potential of Southeast Sulawesi..

Even more impressive, all this went on at a time when the media industry continues to experience great upheavals as a result of digital disruption. Digital disruption has changed people’s lifestyle and the way they obtain information.

The initial phenomenon was the unstoppable trend of digital media that increasingly colored the face of the national press. Next, in the midst of criticisms that digital media relied more on clickbait, to borrow the view of press figure Agus Sudibyo, and was more inclined to tabloidism, this trend was becoming more evident.

In addition to clickbait, another trend was the inclination towards “fast-paced” journalism that often neglected accurate reporting.

Also read:

> Rehabilitate the Media’s Power

> Safeguard the National Media Ecosystem

Despite the success stories, the media generally have had to face challenges on the business end that still remain unanswered. This is because the successful digital transformation of The New York Times, for example, cannot be immediately replicated in Indonesia.

We have only heard about a number of financing initiatives, such as increasing advertisements and subscribers or raising funds from the public.

Various media organizations are still trying to find out which business model might be more suitable. However, in the midst of the existing difficulties, including the issue of income inequality between the national media industry and foreign platforms, we still appreciate the spirit of the national media to take part in national development.

Hopefully, the event to mark National Press Day can be used to renew the commitments of the national press in continuing to produce their best work to enlighten and entertain the public.

This article was translated byHendarsyah Tarmizi.