UNAIR NEWS –Recently, useless information in the form of hate speech, hoax news, dividing news and various other forms, flooded the mass media.This phenomena must be eradicated to the roots.Because, in addition to dividing unity, it can also grow cynicism in community.
“This problem is exacerbated by the fact that public sphere in the mass media is getting eroded,” said Dr.Suko Widodo, Drs., M.Si.
Mass media such as television, radio, various internet-based platforms, no longer put the audience as citizens, but as clients or consumers.In the end, it becomes a business sector.
In fact, the public sphere that they manage should be dedicated to disseminate educational information, entertainment that educate, and reliable news.
The combination of increasing amount of useless information and mass media commercialism creates a situation where society is marginalized.The community even influenced and participated in spreading the useless information or become individuals who are too consumptive.
In his research, the participant of 2003 US State Department’s International Visitor Program on “Democracy and Public Media” is indeed focused on local public television.However, when conducting dissertation-related studies, the scope of the research was much wider.Thus, there are various problems that were observed by the man born in Madiun.
There is also importance of building an institution that oversees the system and phenomenon of information distribution and public communication.This institution can be a public communication commission.This institution may be formed by the government.
Its range will be broader than the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission which focuses only on radio and television, or the Public Information Commission which focuses only on the readiness of institutions to transmit information transparently.
“My dream is that this country has a public communications commission that oversees, discusses, and seeks solutions to problems in the phenomenon of information systems and public spaces,” explained the man who studied Public Media at Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands in 2004.
Suko explained, when he had a short course in the United States, he had a chance to study at the Federal Communications Commission. There were many research activities connected to various fields such as broadcasting (television and radio), print media, and other electronic media such as the internet.The members of the commission come from various elements of society.
The Commission in the United States did have some shortcomings or not yet optimal.For example, that the issues of communications in America have not been fully resolved.However, this country can still learn from there.
The Chairman of the Surabaya Arts Council for the period 2009 – 2014 stated that the public communication commission will appoint members who have the capacity to educate the nation.Among other things, from teachers, academics, philanthropists, and other stakeholders.
Public communication commissions should be present to “control” information in the public sphere.So that information content in various types or platform mass media will be based on national norms and local wisdom.Not garbage content or unlimited commercialization of products.
“Freedom of speechis necessary.But remember, in fact,freedom is not free.Our freedom should not violate the freedom of others.Public rights, in frequency or public space, must be met to the fullest.That’s what ensures comfort in the world of life or the life of us all, “said the member of Surabaya Cultural Preservation Team from 2011 to 2016.
Does this commission look like an authoritarian system in the New Order?Of course not.Because, the spirit of this commission is learning and direction on a healthy communication model.Not a restriction on freedom of expression nor a limitation of criticism to the government.
During this time, government events in mass media, for example on public television, is generally set, not purely from community aspirations.Dialogue for Musrenbang discussion, for example, is just a routine formality.
“Well, the public communication commission is also in charge of ensuring that the shows on television are really useful.Do not just contain entertainment momentarily, “said Chairman of Communications Bachelor Association Indonesia region of East Java.(*)
Author: Rio F. Rachman
