Editorial Power and Primordialism: A Political Economic Analysis of Harian Fajar Newsroom Practices
Abstract
This study examines primordialism in news decision-making within local media in Makassar, Indonesia, with a particular focus on Harian Fajar. This news organisation was selected because it is run by a family network. This family connection assumes that a family run media may compromise journalists’ professional roles. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach and the political economy of media perspective, the research draws on in-depth interviews with editorial staff to explore how news decisions are made. The study refers to Chomsky and Herman's propaganda model, which highlights the structural constraints imposed by media ownership and advertising interests, often at the expense of editorial independence. The findings reveal that media ownership, particularly by individuals and their families exerts a significant influence on editorial decisions. This influence frequently overrides formal editorial policies and the journalistic code of ethics. The phenomenon of news primordialism, identified in this study refers to a pattern of unconditional obedience to media owners by newsroom staff. Journalists are often compelled to conform to the preferences of those in power rather than uphold the principles of independent journalism. This culture tends to prioritize business and personal interests over the public’s right to transparent and critical reporting, thereby undermining the role of the press as a watchdog and as a platform for public accountability. This study recommends limiting commercial interference in editorial processes and urges media institutions to reaffirm their commitment to serving the public interest as the primary purpose of journalism.
Keywords: Primordialism, news decision making, journalist, independent, editorial process.
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