Report by Dorien Kartikawangi
The ICA Indonesia Chapter, in collaboration with 360info, held a landmark webinar addressing the urgent challenges facing the media industry and the role of academic institutions in combating misinformation. This timely event, led by Andrew Jaspan, 360info’s Founder, and Editor-in-Chief, highlighted the need for innovative, research-driven approaches in an era where shrinking newsrooms and disinformation are pervasive threats.
As news organizations increasingly focus on gaining clicks at the expense of quality journalism, the public’s trust in media is eroding, with many choosing to disengage entirely. Meanwhile, pressing global challenges such as climate change, public health crises, and socio-economic inequality demand urgent attention. Universities, described by Jaspan as the “Fifth Estate,” stand at the forefront of solving these issues.
During the webinar, Jaspan introduced 360info as a platform that champions the principles of transparency, fact-driven journalism, and peer-reviewed research. “In a world over owing with misinformation, we need reliable, contextual, and research-led content that informs and educates the public,” he emphasized. 360info leverages university-affiliated academics’ expertise to provide slow news – thorough, well-researched stories in understandable language.
Ria Ernunsari, Senior Commissioning Editor of 360info, elaborated further on the impact of this initiative in Indonesia. She underscored how the platform provides open-access, free-to-use content under Creative Commons licensing, ensuring the broad dissemination of valuable research. By partnering with Indonesian universities and publishers, 360info enriches the academic community and empowers journalists to combat the spread of false information.
One of the highlights of the webinar was a speech by Fajar Junaidi, a prominent author at 360info and committee member of the ICA Indonesia Chapter. His article at 360info is in his area of expertise on sports communication, especially Indonesian Football. The article reaches many audiences and is quoted by many credible newspapers. Junaidi discussed the pivotal role of academics in reshaping public discourse through reliable, research-driven communication.
“As authors on platforms like 360info, we have the responsibility to deliver content that is accurate and serves the greater societal good,” he stated. Junaidi also emphasized the importance of collaboration between Indonesian scholars and global platforms like 360info, which provide broader access to credible information in combating disinformation.
The event also highlighted the unique benefits of universities working with 360info. Academic institutions gain broader audiences for their research and actively contribute to global solutions while adhering to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For journalists, collaboration enriches the narrative landscape with credible, research-based insights, expanding their reach and deepening their impact.
Sri Hastjarjo, the vice chair of the ICA Indonesia Chapter and 360info Commissioning Editor at Universitas Negri Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, stressed the importance of fostering a national movement towards fact-based communication in the digital age. Both experts encouraged more Indonesian authors and journalists to partner with 360info to ensure that the country’s voice is ampli ed and accurately represented on the global stage.
By prioritizing research-led solutions and contextual journalism, 360info and the Indonesian Communications Association are ushering in a new chapter for media in Indonesia, one grounded in truth, academic rigor, and a commitment to the public good.
You can read other news from various ICA Chapters in the following PDF: 2024 10 REACHing Out_ ICA Indonesia Report Revolutionizing Communication_ 360info and the ICA Indonesia Chapter Present New Era of Fact-Based Media _ ICA Newsletter