(FEB NEWS) Friday, May 16, 2025 – In facing the challenges of digital disruption and rapid technological developments, the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga (FEB UNAIR) in collaboration with JTV held a Focused Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Navigating a Changing Media Landscape” on Friday morning (May 16). Held at the ASEEC Building, 4th Floor (Rote Room), Campus B Surabaya, this forum became a strategic platform to bring together academics, regulators, and editors-in-chief from various national and local media.
The Dean of FEB UNAIR, Prof. Dr. Dian Agustia, SE, M.Si., Ak. , in her remarks emphasized that the changing media landscape is not merely a sectoral phenomenon, but rather part of a multidimensional transformation that touches various aspects of life. This includes how people access information, how public opinion is formed, and how organizations structure their communication strategies and manage their human resources.
" These changes require the media industry to adapt, restructure its communication strategy, and carefully manage its human resources. Therefore, forums like this are crucial as collaborative platforms between academics, government, and industry players to find effective solutions, " said Prof. Dian.
The FGD featured Prof. Dr. Gancar Candra Premananto, SE, M.Si. , Professor of Consumer Behavior at FEB UNAIR, as the speaker and moderator. In his introduction, Prof. Gancar reminded that today's challenge is not between humans and technology, but rather between humans who are and are not able to adapt to technology.
"We're not talking about AI versus humans, but humans versus AI. What will replace us won't be robots, but people who master technology and artificial intelligence," he stressed.
The FGD session was marked by an important presentation from the Main Director of LPP TVRI, Imam Brotoseno , who predicted that by 2030, television consumption would completely shift to on-demand platforms.
"The problem isn't with television as a device, but rather with how we access content. Cross-platform creativity will be crucial for the media's survival," Imam explained.
Putut Darmawan, SE, MM , Head of the Public Information and Communications Division of the East Java Provincial Communications and Informatics Office , also shared the regulator's perspective. He emphasized that the East Java Provincial Government recognizes the significant shift in advertising revenue to the digital realm and is committed to adapting policies to ensure the local media industry can transform sustainably.
The panel discussion featured key figures from national and local media, namely:
- Abdul Rokhim – JTV
- Wachid Mukaidori – Kompas TV
- Ahmad Willy – MNC Group
- Walid – Trans Media
- Henty – TV One
- Mahmud – Metro TV
- Budiono – EMTEK Group
- Eddy Prastyo – Radio Suara Surabaya
- Yuyun Albaiyah – Radio Elshinta
- Lucky Lokononto – BeritaJatim
- Kukuh Setyo Budi – RRI
- Asep Suhendar – TVRI
The panelists agreed that while digital technology has disrupted many aspects, the essential values of journalism remain irreplaceable. However, media business models need to be revitalized through digital distribution, the use of user-generated content, and cross-platform collaboration.
In his presentation, Eddy Prastyo of Radio Suara Surabaya revealed that Indonesia's total advertising spending will increase from Rp 126 trillion (2024) to Rp 130 trillion (2025), with 76% remaining on television, while radio accounts for only 0.4%, and the remainder going to digital media. This data demonstrates the urgency for conventional media to quickly adapt their distribution strategies.
In closing, Prof. Gancar conveyed the importance of synergy between academics, media, and government in formulating progressive policies and inclusive communication strategies.
"Digital transformation is not an option, but an inevitability. Therefore, organizations must be able to implement ambidextrous strategies—that is, exploration and exploitation—and build cross-sector collaboration to create a resilient and competitive media ecosystem for the future," he concluded.