Abstract:This study aims to understand journalists' perceptions of the journalist competency test set by the Press Council as a standard of professionalism in the Indonesian press. Using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological…
ical method, this study involved five journalists in East Java, comprising three certified journalists and two who declined to participate in the competency test process. The data collected was analyzed using NVivo 15 software. The results showed that some journalists perceived the competency test as an administrative formality that did not guarantee competence and professionalism. The competency test also has no impact on their careers or welfare. However, informants stated that if carried out consistently and professionally, the competency test has the potential to fence press freedom from unethical practices and strengthen journalistic quality. This research also emphasizes the importance of revamping regulations and maintaining the Press Council in the implementation of journalist competency tests.
Abstract:This study aims to analyze newsroom convergence processes and newsroom models implemented by Tribun Pekanbaru and Riau Pos, while also examining how newsroom convergence is utilized as an economic strategy to maintain the…
e sustainability of local media businesses amid digital disruption. The research employed a qualitative descriptive approach through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation studies involving newsroom managers, editors, and journalists from both media organizations. The findings indicate that Tribun Pekanbaru and Riau Pos have adopted different newsroom convergence strategies. Tribun Pekanbaru has implemented an integrated newsroom model that combines Cross Media Newsroom and Integrated Media Newsroom approaches, emphasizing digital-first production and multi-platform content distribution. Meanwhile, Riau Pos continues to maintain a separated newsroom model between print and digital divisions, reflecting a gradual adaptation process toward digital transformation. The study further reveals that these differences are influenced not only by technological factors and organizational culture but also by economic considerations. Tribun Pekanbaru develops an integrated newsroom to improve production efficiency and expand digital content monetization, while Riau Pos maintains separated newsrooms because print media remains a significant source of company revenue. This study concludes that newsroom convergence has evolved beyond a technological transformation into an economic adaptation strategy for local media organizations. The findings suggest that newsroom convergence enables media companies to improve operational efficiency, broaden audience reach, optimize resource utilization, and strengthen business sustainability in an increasingly competitive digital environment.