UNS — In the Covid-19 pandemic, the media has a vital role in disseminating accurate and actual information. Journalist role is needed in preventing hoaxes. To share Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta journalist’s role the Alumni Association (IKA) UNS held Wedangan IKA UNS XVII Series on The Role of Kentingan Alumni Journalist amid the Covid-19 Pandemic. The event was held on Wednesday (5/7/2020).
This Wedangan invited UNS alumni who work in the journalistic world, Abdul Kohar, Arif Budi Susilo, Irwan Setyawan, Taufik Lamade, and Me Aditya Laksmana as speakers. This event was led by Metro TV famous News Anchor, who is an alumnus of Communication Science Program Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UNS. The Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho attended and appreciated the event. “I am sure with the expertise from the speakers, UNS will be better known. We have great speakers tonight,” Prof. Jamal mentioned in his remark.
Rory, as the moderator asked a question to each speaker on the role of UNS in building their journalism career. From this question, he concluded the answers. “If asked about UNS, there is a message that, as an alumnus of UNS, can answer easily, that is there are many UNS alumni now become boss or leader in major national mass media. That is a message that we get,” Rory stated.
On the occasion, Abdul Kohar who is an alumnus of FISIP UNS class of 1990 discussed the post-truth era, an era in which information is overflowed and fact takes the back seat after one’s emotion or desire. Thus, people believe information because it meets their desire. Kohar stated that mainstream media plays certain roles in maintaining public sanity, fact-checking to prevent the distribution of fake news, maintain independence, and provide direction. A journalist has principles they follow in performing their duties: honesty, loyal to the public, disciplined in verification, intelligent in determining perspectives, maintain a distance from practical politics and follow the code of conduct.
The next speaker, Irwan Setyawan, who graduated from the Communication Science Program FISIP 1988 and now work as Editor in Chief of Jawa Pos TV, discussed the role of broadcasting media in the pandemic. Irwan stated that currently, information mostly comes from social media, online media, and television. Irwan explained that television viewers increased by 13.8%, the duration of which people watch television also increased from 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 29 minutes. Even though the number of viewers increased, the advertising revenues decreased due to the pandemic. Another impact of the pandemic are administration employees of media need to work from home and the number of journalists who work outside reduced by 50% which limit the media ability to produce news. The production of programs is not reduced, while the production of entertainment program is prohibited. There is also a limit in the number of news sources and non-COVID-19 events decreases.
The next session belongs to Me Aditya Laksmana, the alumnus of Communication Science Program FISIP UNS class of 1993 who now works as Chief Editor for Suara Pembaruan. Aditya stated that the greatest challenge for the mainstream media is a hoax. In his opinion, the hoax is their main homework, for example, when mainstream media try to promote positive coverage, there is always trivial issues which should not receive public attention but instead, steals the stage. Additionally, Aditya also includes public scepticism as another challenge. In this era, the government has a role as the main source of information to eliminate scepticism. In term of pandemic related information, it is necessary to obtain factual scientific information.
Taufik Lamade, the Chief of Editor of DI’s Way and an alumnus of Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB) class of 1987 who mentioned that media needs to provide inspiration and hope, provides spirits amid Covid-19. The last speaker, Arif Budisusilo, the alumnus of the Faculty of Agriculture (FP) class of 1987 and president director of Solopos Group who discussed the contribution of media in the national interest. He explained how the pandemic has affected the operation of media. Humas UNS
Reporter: Zalfaa Azalia Pursita
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
