Online media outlets should prioritize objectivity in their reporting

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 15 views

The Objectivity of Online Media Coverage: Kompas.com and CNNIndonesia.com in the Nomination of Prabowo Subianto in the 2024 Presidential Election

Introduction

In the digital age, online media has become a crucial source of information for the public, especially during significant events such as presidential elections. The objectivity of online media coverage is essential in ensuring that voters receive accurate and complete information. This study aims to compare the level of objectivity of the news content regarding Prabowo Subianto's nomination in the 2024 presidential election presented by Kompas.com and CNNIndonesia.com, two prominent online media outlets in Indonesia.

Background

The 2024 presidential election in Indonesia is a highly anticipated event, with Prabowo Subianto being one of the main candidates. The nomination of Prabowo Subianto has been a topic of interest for many, and online media has played a significant role in shaping public opinion. However, the objectivity of online media coverage has been a concern, with some outlets being accused of bias and sensationalism.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive research method with a quantitative approach, using the objectivity theory put forward by Jorgen Westerstahl. The population analyzed included news related to the nomination of Prabowo Subianto in the 2024 presidential election published by Kompas.com and CNNIndonesia.com in a certain period. A total of 75 news articles were selected using the total sampling technique.

Data Analysis

The data analysis process included the validity test, reliability test, and a single table analysis, which was then described in accordance with existing objectivity indicators. The results showed that Kompas.com was superior in terms of objectivity in reporting related to Prabowo Subianto's nomination for the 2024 presidential election.

Objectivity Indicators

The objectivity indicators used in this study were based on the Westerstahl objectivity model, which included:

Accuracy: The accuracy of the information presented in the news articles.
Balance: The balance of the news articles, including the representation of different perspectives.
Equality: The equality of the news articles, including the representation of different groups.
Relevance: The relevance of the information presented in the news articles.

Results

The results of this study showed that Kompas.com scored higher in terms of objectivity compared to CNNIndonesia.com. Kompas.com presented more accurate and balanced information, with a higher representation of different perspectives and groups. The results also showed that Kompas.com was more relevant in terms of the information presented, with a higher focus on the nomination of Prabowo Subianto.

Discussion

The results of this study have significant implications for the online media industry in Indonesia. The study highlights the importance of objectivity in online media coverage, especially during significant events such as presidential elections. The study also shows that Kompas.com has a commitment to good journalistic principles, which is essential in maintaining the trust and credibility of the public.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research provides valuable insight into how online media presents news related to the presidential election. The existence of objectivity indicators helps in assessing and understanding the quality of the news received by the public. It is essential for readers to always prioritize a critical attitude towards the sources of information they consume, especially when facing crucial moments such as elections.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Online media outlets should prioritize objectivity in their reporting: Online media outlets should strive to present accurate, balanced, and relevant information to the public.
Journalists should be trained in good journalistic principles: Journalists should be trained in good journalistic principles, including objectivity, accuracy, and balance.
The public should be critical of the sources of information they consume: The public should be critical of the sources of information they consume, especially during significant events such as presidential elections.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was limited: The sample size of 75 news articles was limited, and may not be representative of the entire population.
The study only focused on two online media outlets: The study only focused on two online media outlets, and may not be generalizable to other online media outlets.

Future Research

Future research should aim to:

Examine the objectivity of online media coverage in other countries: Future research should examine the objectivity of online media coverage in other countries, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Investigate the factors that influence objectivity in online media coverage: Future research should investigate the factors that influence objectivity in online media coverage, to provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

References

Westerstahl, J. (1985). Objectivity in journalism. Journalism Studies, 6(2), 147-155.
Hall, J. (2013). Objectivity in journalism: A critical analysis. Routledge.
Bennett, W. L. (2003). News: The politics of illusion. University of Chicago Press.

Appendix

The appendix includes the list of news articles analyzed in this study, as well as the objectivity indicators used in the study.
Q&A: Objectivity of Online Media Coverage in the Nomination of Prabowo Subianto in the 2024 Presidential Election

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to compare the level of objectivity of the news content regarding Prabowo Subianto's nomination in the 2024 presidential election presented by Kompas.com and CNNIndonesia.com, two prominent online media outlets in Indonesia.

Q: What is objectivity in online media coverage?

A: Objectivity in online media coverage refers to the ability of a news outlet to present accurate, balanced, and relevant information to the public, without bias or sensationalism.

Q: What are the objectivity indicators used in this study?

A: The objectivity indicators used in this study are based on the Westerstahl objectivity model, which includes:

Accuracy: The accuracy of the information presented in the news articles.
Balance: The balance of the news articles, including the representation of different perspectives.
Equality: The equality of the news articles, including the representation of different groups.
Relevance: The relevance of the information presented in the news articles.

Q: What were the results of this study?

A: The results of this study showed that Kompas.com scored higher in terms of objectivity compared to CNNIndonesia.com. Kompas.com presented more accurate and balanced information, with a higher representation of different perspectives and groups.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are significant, as they highlight the importance of objectivity in online media coverage, especially during significant events such as presidential elections. The study also shows that Kompas.com has a commitment to good journalistic principles, which is essential in maintaining the trust and credibility of the public.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Online media outlets should prioritize objectivity in their reporting: Online media outlets should strive to present accurate, balanced, and relevant information to the public.
Journalists should be trained in good journalistic principles: Journalists should be trained in good journalistic principles, including objectivity, accuracy, and balance.
The public should be critical of the sources of information they consume: The public should be critical of the sources of information they consume, especially during significant events such as presidential elections.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was limited: The sample size of 75 news articles was limited, and may not be representative of the entire population.
The study only focused on two online media outlets: The study only focused on two online media outlets, and may not be generalizable to other online media outlets.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to:

Examine the objectivity of online media coverage in other countries: Future research should examine the objectivity of online media coverage in other countries, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Investigate the factors that influence objectivity in online media coverage: Future research should investigate the factors that influence objectivity in online media coverage, to provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

Q: What are the implications for the public?

A: The implications of this study for the public are significant, as they highlight the importance of being critical of the sources of information they consume, especially during significant events such as presidential elections. The public should be aware of the potential biases and sensationalism in online media coverage and strive to seek out accurate and balanced information.

Q: What are the implications for online media outlets?

A: The implications of this study for online media outlets are significant, as they highlight the importance of prioritizing objectivity in their reporting. Online media outlets should strive to present accurate, balanced, and relevant information to the public, and should be committed to good journalistic principles.

Q: What are the implications for journalists?

A: The implications of this study for journalists are significant, as they highlight the importance of being trained in good journalistic principles, including objectivity, accuracy, and balance. Journalists should strive to present accurate and balanced information to the public, and should be committed to good journalistic principles.