Public Craving for Professional Journalism

In the face of global challenges, particularly the digital disruption, the public hopes the media remains to adhere to journalistic values ​​and uphold journalistic professionalism.

KOMPAS/YUNIADHI AGUNG (MYE)

A man buys a newspaper while waiting for a food order at a stall in Pasar Jatinegara, East Jakarta, Sunday (10/10/2021). There are fewer and fewer newspaper buyers so that the newspaper publisher's income drops drastically. The development of digital media is now a challenge for conventional media such as newspapers, tabloids and magazines.

National Press Council chairperson Ninik Rahayu has stated that a professional press media is one that is able to live up to aspects of accuracy, objectivity, impartiality and other valuable aspects promoted in the Journalistic Code of Ethics.

The public’s hopes about a professional press that adheres to the code of ethics were reflected in the recent Kompas survey held to coincide with the 2023 National Press Day. The survey was conducted between 25 Jan. to 4 Feb. 2023 involving 1,202 respondents across Indonesia. It shows the majority of respondents expected the press to be more accurate in new reporting ( 31.3 percent), to be more objective (15.7 percent), and to be more impartial (15.5 percent).