Media Convergence-Based Journalistic Competency Model in Journalistic Education in the Digital Era
Abstract
This study aims to develop a media convergence-based journalistic competency model for journalism education in the digital era. The development of digital media has created a gap between conventional journalistic competencies and the competencies required in a convergent media environment, where journalists need to master digital technology, multimedia production, cross-platform content creation, and professional ethics. This condition indicates the need for a competency model that integrates journalistic skills, digital capabilities, and professional character in journalism education and training. This research employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the Borg and Gall development model. Data were collected through observations, interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), questionnaires, and documentation. The model was tested through three stages: an initial field trial involving 30 journalists, a limited field trial involving 32 journalists, and a broader field trial involving 35 journalists from various media platforms. The findings show that the developed model consists of five main stages: needs identification, learning objectives, material development, training activities, and evaluation. The model achieved a very feasible category based on the trial results and contributed to strengthening journalistic competencies, including technical skills, digital competence, multimedia competence, verification ability, professional ethics, and adaptive capabilities. The findings highlight the importance of integrating media convergence, competency-based education, and professional character development in preparing journalists for the digital era.
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