SIMULCAST SYSTEM: IMPLEMENTATION OF ANALOGUE AND DIGITAL RADIO BROADCASTING MEDIA IN INDONESIA

Until now radio broadcasting operators continue to look for breakthrough innovations both in terms of broadcasting technology development (broadcasting) and broadcast material. The Indonesian government, specifically for radio, plans to anticipate the presence of the digital era by transforming digital radio technology with the DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) systems in an effort to foster public interest in listening to digital radio with the simulcast system. This system is a combination of services to the audience with two or more channels, namely analog and digital. Radio broadcasting operators need to continue to seek innovation in order to be competitive with other digital media in this convergence era, including utilizing the internet (Broadband).
 
        Literature reveals that based on data from Kominfo (Ministry of Communication and Informatics) in 2021, the number of radio broadcasting institutions throughout Indonesia that have Broadcasting Operations Permits (IPP) is 1,902 stations. Apart from Public Broadcasting Institutions (LPP) Radio of the Republic of Indonesia (RRI) and Local Public Broadcasting Institutions (LPPL), radio groups in Indonesia are divided into two, namely Private Broadcasting Institutions (LPS) and Community Broadcasting Institutions (LPK). LPS operates for commercial purposes. Meanwhile, LPK is usually established by a community based on area, issue, or interest. From the perspective of media economics, the radio industry is seen as a media industry that has distinctive characteristics in terms of audiences.

      This research used a qualitative approach that has not been widely used to examine digital radio technology with the DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) systems in an effort to foster public interest in listening to digital radio with the simulcast system. Data collection techniques were carried out through field observations, interviews, and documentation studies.

    This research confirms that it is time for Indonesia to transform analog radio to digital as time changes. In addition, this research finds out that current radio broadcasting, apart from transmitting over the air or (broadcast) in the form of sound or sound with an analog system, also needs to transmit through sound or voice with a digital system and if both channels are played then it is called a simulcast system.