Navigating the Digital Era: The Importance of Understanding Cyber Journalism

HUMANIORA (4/7/2024) In an increasingly advanced digital era, a deep understanding of the world of journalism is becoming more crucial, especially in the context of cyber media. Cyber media has transformed how we receive, process, and share information, creating new challenges for journalists to maintain credibility and integrity. The ability to navigate a digital landscape filled with fake news, misleading information, and the pressure to produce content quickly is a vital skill. This was explained by the Editor-in-Chief of Malang Posco Media, Muhaimin, S.Sos, during the Field Work Practice (PKL) briefing event held by the Faculty of Humanities at the State Islamic University Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, on the 5th floor of the Rectorate Building.

On this occasion, Muhaimin presented the basic principles of journalism and their application in cyber media. According to him, it is essential to ensure that the information delivered remains accurate, reliable, and beneficial to the wider community.

"Cyber media encompasses all forms of media that use the internet and conduct journalistic activities in accordance with the requirements of the Press Law and the Press Company Standards set by the Press Council," he explained.

Furthermore, Muhaimin discussed corrections, retractions, and the right to reply, which must refer to the Press Law, Journalistic Code of Ethics, and the Right of Reply Guidelines set by the Press Council. "This is an important part of the media's responsibility in maintaining credibility and public trust," he added.

Regarding professional press conduct and standards, Muhaimin explained that professional press must meet minimum standards, such as continuously producing journalistic work by professional journalists, and the news produced must adhere to journalistic codes and standards. "These standards are important to ensure that every piece of news produced has high quality and integrity," he emphasized.

Muhaimin also provided guidance on writing news using the 5W+1H guideline (What, Who, When, Where, Why, How). He explained the anatomy or structure of news, which consists of the lead, the body of the news, supporting information, and chronology. "Good news writing should capture the reader's attention from the first sentence, provide the main information upfront, and develop further details in the body of the news," said Muhaimin.

Not to be overlooked, Muhaimin also discussed journalistic language, which should be concise, clear, brief, engaging, and adhere to norms. "The proper use of journalistic language helps in delivering information effectively and making it easily understood by readers," he said.

The PKL briefing event proceeded smoothly and received positive responses from the students. They felt they gained a lot of new insights that are very useful for preparing themselves to enter the professional journalism world. The Faculty of Humanities at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang continues to commit to supporting student skill development through relevant and beneficial programs, preparing them to become competent professionals in the future. [al]