Local TV Stations Post Analog Switch Off: Economic Challenges

The government policy to switch off analog television at the end of 2022 (Analog Switch Off-ASO) still presents problems for non-NBS (Networked Broadcast System) private local television operators and the public. Related issues include many people requiring to purchase Set Top Boxes to access the digital broadcasts. Non-NBS private local television stations have to pay multiplexer rental fees, which are more expensive than previous analog television operation costs. This study aims to reveal the dynamics of non-NBS private local television management in East Java from the perspective of the media economy. This study uses an exploratory qualitative method with three data collection techniques: in-depth interviews with three non-NBS private television managers, an FGD with local television managers and East Java KPID, and documentation of ASO regulations. The results show that non-NBS private television stations have limited content production ability, both in terms of the quantity and quality of human resources. Non-NBS private television operators are still determining if the public can access digital TV broadcasts, so they must do simulcasts with the consequence that operational costs must increase significantly. While digital broadcasting does not necessarily bring in advertisements, analog broadcasts must continue to run to maintain public trust; non-NBS private local television stations are faced with the choice of increasing revenue or stop broadcasting altogether. Ultimately, the managers of non-NBS television stations in East Java must developed other sources of income based on the uniqueness of their audience.