The role of journalism in strengthening democracy and the importance of accurate information were highlighted at the National Press Day event in Pekanbaru, Indonesia.
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| The National Press Day event in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, explored the challenges and opportunities for journalists in the digital age, including the rise of AI in news production. Image Courtesy: Antara |
Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia --- February 9, 2025:
The National Press Day celebration in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Saturday, saw a focus on the challenges and opportunities facing journalism in the face of rapid digital disruption.
Agus Sudibyo, Chairman of the TVRI Supervisory Board, emphasized the continued public demand for high-quality, accountable journalism. While acknowledging the rise of social media, he stressed that it cannot fully replace the role of traditional media in providing accurate and verified information.
"Despite the rise of social media, there is still a strong demand for quality information and responsible journalism," Sudibyo said. "Social media cannot completely fulfill people's need for in-depth, fact-based reporting."
He further highlighted the importance of adapting content distribution models, urging media organizations to leverage social media as a crucial channel for disseminating their content.
Nurjaman, Secretary of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) Expert Council, noted a significant shift in news consumption patterns, with many conventional news sources now originating from social media. He observed that news agencies are increasingly creating and distributing their own content directly through websites and social media platforms.
Looking ahead, Nurjaman predicted that news agencies would likely focus on producing content and distributing it through their own channels. He also pointed out the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in news production, particularly in the creation of news videos.
Dhimam Abror, Chairman of the Central PWI Expert Council, emphasized the crucial role of journalism in strengthening democracy. He highlighted the digital space as a strategic platform for fostering critical thinking and informed public participation in democratic processes.
"The digital space enables people to think critically about current events, especially in politics," Abror said. "However, it is crucial to ensure the quality of the information being shared."
The National Press Day event served as a platform for industry leaders to discuss the evolving media landscape and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for journalists in the digital age.