Jurnalistic Ethics and Media Law: Pillars of Broadcasting Professionalism

Abstract

The digital information era has driven transformation in journalism and broadcasting practices, requiring synergy between media law and professional ethics. This study aims to analyse the influence of media law on the implementation of journalistic ethics and professionalism in broadcasting. Using a qualitative approach through literature review and regulatory document analysis, this study examines legal instruments such as Law No. 32 of 2002 on Broadcasting, KPI regulations, and the Press Council's Journalistic Code of Ethics. The research findings reveal five key findings: i) media law provides a normative framework that limits and guides broadcasting practices, ii) journalistic ethics strengthen the social responsibility of media professionals, iii) there is tension between the demands of press freedom and compliance with the law and moral values, iv) broadcasting professionalism can only be achieved through a balance between legal compliance and the internalisation of ethics and v) low legal and ethical literacy among media workers is a serious challenge. The implications of this study emphasise the importance of media ethics and law education in newsrooms and the need to strengthen regulations that favour the public interest. This is crucial to maintaining credible, ethical, and professional broadcasting quality amid the ever evolving global information flow.