TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Digital media supervision plan lacks clarity
Rather than overly “protecting” people, why doesn’t the commission focus on “educating” the masses instead? This approach to media literacy will then allow the audience to take the reins. In fact, media literacy as a skill will help people to actively select and filter content provided by online media.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Social media has recently been flooded by discussions about the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), which had stated that it wanted to monitor content on video streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. (Shutterstock/AlexLMX)
S
ocial media has recently been flooded by discussions about the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), which had stated that it wanted to monitor content on video streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. Many tweeted their concerns — or infuriation, to be exact. A petition on change.org initiated by Dara Nasution has received more than 60,000 signatories by those who are against the proposal.
While it is understandable that the commission has the authority to supervise the usage of the public’s resources, such as radio frequencies, this plan to monitor digital content is rather confusing.
According to The Jakarta Post, the plan came from the fact that most people tend to consume content from new media rather than conventional media.
However, the public’s objections regarding this matter are reasonable.
First, new media changes the interaction between the audience and their media. Some will still enjoy radio or television, but some will also migrate to new media, which is user generated. While national television and radio channels have regular programs and airtime provided for the audience, these new media platforms are ubiquitous and versatile. They can be accessed anytime and anywhere. The audience controls the means to choose which content to consume on any personalized new media platform. People may personalize their account, utilize age restriction features or create a list of content they would like to watch later. These are just several of the available options on online streaming services like Netflix and YouTube.
It is naive to assume that media has no effect on the audience, but it is also the same if someone assumes that media has an absolute effect. Cultural studies on the media have long criticized the assumption that audience members are passive. Rather, they assert that the effect of media is based on audience involvement.
This means that the audience has the ability to create reality and social construction. It also means they actively select which values are relevant in their lives.
