The Master of Communication Science Program, UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM), held the 14th edition of the Student Communication Discussion or DISKOMA, with the topic “Resonance of Academics and Practitioners: The Threat of the Broadcasting Bill to Local Broadcasting and Content Creators.”
This topic was raised in response to the recent widespread discussion about the Broadcasting Bill and its threat to media players in the region.
Unlike previous formats, DISKOMA edition 14 was held offline on Friday (Jun. 14), featuring four speakers: Rahayu (UGM Communication Science Lecturer & Deputy Chair of PR2Media), Haswan Iskandar Jaya (Broadcasting Commission and Chair of KPID Yogyakarta), Wahyu Sudarmawan (CEO of RBTV), and Umar Wicaksono (Head of Creative PARES.id).
The Broadcasting Bill has long been a hot topic in various circles, but the revision execution has yet to materialize. Political interests involving multiple parties are the main factor influencing this slow process.
“We have hoped since 2002 that regional broadcasting regulations would be adjusted, especially in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). The principle of revising the Broadcasting Bill is for the nation’s benefit in consuming nutritious and healthy information,” said Haswan Iskandar.
Iskandar believes the revision should not be entirely rejected based on its conception, but if particular articles are considered vulnerable, those specific articles should be the focus of criticism.
In line with Iskandar, Rahayu expressed another opinion. She believes that any form of broadcasting regulation issued by the government should reflect the interests of the entire Indonesian community.
Broadcasting regulations should improve the welfare of the Indonesian people, create political welfare, freedom of expression, and comprehensive accessibility, and promote cultural and educational development.
“If the Broadcasting Bill cannot address the issues of media structure, media performance, and media conduct, then what is the point?” said Rahayu.
Rahayu also dissected the root problems of the Broadcasting Bill, which impacts local broadcasters and content creators.
Her disappointment with the Broadcasting Bill stems from the need for clear regulations on five elements: concentration or monopoly of ownership, cross-media ownership, license transfer, holding companies, and the non-specific mention of legislative rules.
The lack of clear regulation of these elements will not improve the broadcasting conditions in Indonesia.
Digitalization has changed the viewing behavior patterns of audiences who once had an emotional attachment and pride in local content, now eroded by a culture of quick and instant consumption.
RBTV has long been known as a medium that facilitates the existence of the Jogja community on television.
“RBTV’s strength lies in its rich and authentic cultural content, enabling it to survive until now. However, with the advent of digital media, it is not only the content that is attacked but also the viewing culture of the community,” said Wahyu Sudarman.
Sudarman revealed that the Broadcasting Bill should address journalism challenges in the digital space without threatening freedom of expression. The revision is expected to create fairness for the broadcasting industry in the new digital media era.
Umar Wicaksono, representing content creators, explained, “Broadcasting on TV and digital media have different characteristics and cannot be equated; it is important to distinguish and clarify them to avoid confusion.”
Wicaksono believes that rules for digital media are irrelevant if equated with TV regulations. The different characteristics of TV and digital media require special treatment for each. Content regulation also needs to be considered because it relates to ownership rights.
“There must be a balance between the necessary regulations to maintain content quality and the freedom to create and express on digital platforms,” concluded Wicaksono.
Ending the discussion, Rahayu hoped that this exchange of views would provide answers on how the Broadcasting Bill should be made and improved. Broadcasting media are business and social institutions that become pillars of democracy through their communication function.
Reportage: Fisipol UGM
Editor: Triya Andriyani