The Role of Local Mass Media in Anticipating Hoax Information (Case Study at Radar Tasikmalaya)

Abstract

The development of false information or hoaxes is caused by the flood of information, especially in the non-press media. The speed at which information is spread on social media, which is difficult to confirm, causes hoaxes to grow rapidly. The role of journalism is supposed to be an antidote to hoax information. Media in areas that have more geographical proximity can be an instrument in counteracting hoaxes. Radar Tasikmalaya which is one of the major local media in West Java. This study aims to describe the role of regional local media in counteracting hoaxes originating in their geographical area. This study uses a qualitative approach with the case study method by describing how journalism in the regions is an instrument to ward off hoaxes. Data collection was carried out using in-depth interviews, observation and documentation studies. In-depth interviews were conducted with the editors of Radar Tasikmalaya which were complemented by observations on the way journalists report and convey information. While the documentation study as a complement to data by collecting data on published news to clarify hoaxes circulating in the community. The results show that Radar Tasikmalaya assigns journalists the task of being fact-transmitting agents. Even if journalists find wrong information in the field, it is necessary to immediately confirm and clarify through their reporting. This aims not only to increase public trust in the mass media, but also to form journalists' social responsibility to the community.