Strengthening Institutional Integrity for SDG: The Influence of Media Ownership on Election Reporting in Indonesia’s 2024 Presidential Election

Objective: The 2024 Indonesian General Election witnessed significant media coverage, with media outlets owned by politically affiliated entrepreneurs playing a prominent role. This study investigates the objectivity and bias in election reporting by television and online media platforms—specifically iNews TV, Okezone.com, Metro TV, and metrotvnews.com—owned by individuals with political affiliations. The analysis period spans from the start of the campaign on November 28, 2023, to election day on February 14, 2024. Theoretical Framework: Building upon prior research indicating media bias associated with political ownership and its impact on news coverage, this study employs the political economy of media theory and the hierarchy of influences model to examine media content. Method: The research utilizes Media Content Analysis (MCA) and a case study approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods. The mixed-method approach provides a more comprehensive analysis of media dynamics. The quantitative approach focuses on objective measurement and statistical analysis, while the qualitative approach emphasizes interpretation and the contextual meaning of media content. Additionally, quantitative analysis aims to generate measurable numerical data, whereas qualitative analysis seeks to explore the underlying meanings and discourses within media texts. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal a significant disparity in media coverage of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates on iNews TV and Metro TV during the 2024 Indonesian election. iNews TV's disproportionate focus on Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD, as evidenced by a higher frequency of mentions, suggests potential media bias. Conversely, Metro TV provided more balanced coverage, addressing various candidates and political issues, including government policies and economic trends. The stark contrast in media exposure between iNews TV and Metro TV highlights differing editorial priorities, potentially shaped by the political affiliations of media owners. iNews TV’s emphasis on Ganjar and Mahfud suggests favoritism, while Metro TV’s broader coverage indicates an interest in diverse political narratives. The analysis of media coverage on Okezone.com reveals a clear bias in favor of presidential and vice-presidential candidates Ganjar Pranowo and Mahfud MD. In contrast, Metrotvnews.com presents more balanced coverage, including opposition figures such as Anies Baswedan. Research Implications: This study provides recommendations to the Press Council, the journalism community, and the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission, emphasizing safeguarding mass media institutions from external interventions, particularly from media owners' political interests, political parties, and other external influences. Ensuring media independence is crucial for maintaining journalistic integrity and upholding democratic values. Originality/Value: This study contributes novelty and originality as it is the first to examine the objectivity of news reporting and media bias in Indonesia during the 2024 general election through quantitative and qualitative approaches.