Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA) – Issues of broadcasting in border areas should be given serious attention, given the emergence of real challenges that need to be addressed, Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi has said.He noted that the real picture of the phenomenon is found in Riau Island, which was designated as the main location of the 90th National Broadcasting Day (Harsiarnas) peak commemoration event. Geographically, the province is adjacent to Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. “This geographical location causes several specific issues in broadcasting services to the public,” Setiadi said when closing the 90th National Harsiarnas peak event in Bintan District, Riau Islands, on Saturday (August 12). He said that the government has continued to seek solutions and policy innovation for broadcasting in border areas, especially in Riau Islands. The efforts include providing ease of licensing process for establishing private TV and radio stations, encouraging efficiency through the multiplexing of public television broadcaster TVRI, and ensuring the new era of digital broadcasting in border areas can prioritize content that promotes nationalism and unity. Nevertheless, he stated that the government would not be able to work alone as it needs the synergy of people in the broadcasting industry to seek concrete solutions for the challenges that exist in border areas. In addition to the issues of broadcasting in border areas, the minister also spotlighted that going forward, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the global broadcasting industry development will be very significant. The technology will present a revolution in content creation, audience engagement, and advertising technology. AI is also creating serious challenges, such as the potential for loss of jobs and problems related to ethics. Thus, he further said, the government is encouraging all stakeholders in the broadcasting industry to start comprehensively studying the presence of AI and future technology in the broadcasting industry. “From the study, we will jointly create a road map to ensure the broadcasting industry remains empowered and sovereign in the future,” he said. Meanwhile, Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad stated that broadcasting institutions have the responsibility to provide valid and balanced broadcasting content so the community can choose which content they must refer to, especially given the importance of broadcasting in border areas in maintaining the country’s sovereignty.
Source: Antara News Agency