Media Independence in Indonesian Broadcast Television News: A Comparative Case Study of iNews TV and Metro TV during the 2024 Presidential Election

This research investigates Indonesian broadcast television news media's independence in the 2024 Presidential Election, focusing specifically on iNews TV and Metro TV. The study is driven by the media's critical role in shaping public opinion and the integrity of democratic processes, particularly during electoral periods. Through qualitative comparative case study with interview and literature review as data collection methods, this research examines how these two prominent news outlets maintain neutrality and impartiality in their reporting on election-related issues. The findings reveal significant differences in the editorial approaches of iNews and Metro TV, which appear to be influenced by their respective ownership structures and political affiliations. iNews, linked to media conglomerates close to specific political figures, shows a distinct bias in framing news stories, favouring certain candidates. Conversely, with its political affiliations, Metro TV exhibits a different pattern of bias, though equally impactful on audience perceptions. This study underscores the challenges faced by Indonesian media in maintaining editorial independence in a highly polarized political environment. It also highlights the implications of biased media coverage for public trust in the media and the overall democratic process. The research contributes to the broader discourse on media independence in Indonesia, calling for stronger regulatory frameworks to ensure that broadcast media serve the public interest with fairness and impartiality, particularly during critical electoral events.