ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF SOCIETY AND THE POTENTIAL OF CROWDFUNDING IN IMPROVING JOURNALIST COMPETENCE AND JOURNALISM QUALITY

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the role of society and the potential of crowdfunding in enhancing the competence of journalists and improving the quality of journalism in Pekanbaru City, Riau, Indonesia. Adopting a qualitative approach involving document analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs), the study will examine how public participation and community-based funding can encourage better journalistic practices. Participatory journalism and open journalism theory are used as an analytical framework to understand the dynamics of collaboration between journalists and the community. The results indicate that community involvement through idea contributions, fact verification, and collective funding can strengthen journalistic accountability and creativity. Journalistic crowdfunding will be more successful if the community is more involved. This can be achieved by using local wisdom from Riau Malay culture, such as the values of togetherness, "gotong royong," and cultural communication, "pantun advice," to strengthen public communication. Crowdfunding can improve journalist competence by funding training programmes and professional certification, as well as providing alternative financing to support media independence. This community-based funding mechanism also encourages active public participation, ensuring that the news produced is meaningful to the community. However, challenges such as low media literacy, low public trust, and dependence on short-term donors must be addressed through clear regulations and collaboration between multiple parties. The study recommends strengthening media education, establishing community-journalist alliances, and developing transparent, sustainable crowdfunding platforms to ensure quality journalism in the digital era.