MEDIA CONVERGENCE AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: AN EXPLORATIVE STUDY OF THE PERSPECTIVE OF MEDIA WORKERS AT THE OFFICE OF PT. INDONESIAN TELEVISION MEDIA Gina Sara Melati (a*), Kanti Pertiwi (b)
Magister Management, Universitas Indonesia
Jl. Salemba Raya No.4, RW.5, Kenari, Kec. Senen, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10430
Abstract
The advancement in technology and digitalization has caused disruption in various industries, including the media industry. Media companies and channels continue to find ways to stay relevant and survive in gaining the audiences attention and preferences. Mass media such as television and newspapers that were once the main source of information for the public, has now been replaced by online and social medias. Therefore, a strategy facing the challenge has been taken by many media companies my going through a convergence process. Where the media company which before only entertained a certain platform audience, namely television, printed or radio, now has to answer the needs of audiences on all platforms. A media company in Indonesia, Metro TV also has taken the step in going through a convergence process. This is done to widen its market potential and grab audiences on a larger level. The convergence began in early 2022, which was also the beginning of public restrictions due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Companies, including Metro TV had to adjust accordingly to government relations. This impacted the way of work and the convergence process. This research explores the impact it has towards the media workers, specifically reporters at Metro TV and how the company addresses the needs of its workers. The research uses a qualitative interpretivism approach, where in-depth interviews will be conducted with Metro TV^s employees, including its reporters and those at the managerial level. The findings will become a reminder and suggestion on how the company establish relations with its workers and how to enhance their motivation through the needed support in times of change and crisis.
Keywords: Explorative Study, Media Covergence, Pandemic
Topic: Organizational Behavior, Leadership and Human Resource Management
