Abstract
This thesis argues that fact-checking journalism is crucial in fighting misinformation and disinformation (hereafter, mis/disinformation) in Indonesia. Effective fact-checking relies on two critical elements: journalists recognising the importance of their role in countering mis/disinformation, and strong public support for the efforts of fact-checkers. While existing studies on journalistic roles rely on the perspective of journalists, this doctoral study uniquely provides rich insights into fact-checking journalism in Indonesia through the eyes of fact-checkers and the audience. Drawing on the foundational Worlds of Journalism Study (WJS), this thesis offers a reconceptualisation of the 21 journalistic roles in the context of fact-checking in Indonesia that accommodate fact-checkers’ idealised views and audiences’ expectations.The thesis reports on a three-phase mixed-method study based on two intercorrelated surveys and focus groups with 163 Indonesian fact-checking journalists and 260 fact-check consumers. A combination of descriptive analysis, factor analysis, and thematic analysis reveals that Indonesian journalists and audiences hold both corresponding and discrepant views about the role of fact-checking journalists. The findings offer a new conceptualisation of journalistic roles, specifically for fact-checking mis/disinformation in Indonesia, based on five alternative role categories: Socio-political Intervention, Informational, Monitorial, Collaborative, and Socio-cultural Empowerment. The findings highlight the significance of external political, social, and cultural contexts on the ability of fact-checkers in Indonesia to fulfil their idealised roles.
By studying fact-checking through an Indonesian lens, this thesis makes unique contributions to the global discussion of journalists’ roles in combating mis/disinformation by providing an alternative theoretical framework and practical optimisation strategies. The theoretical and practical contributions are beneficial to make fact-checking stronger, more effective, and more inclusive by accommodating journalists' idealistic conceptions and audience expectations.
| Date of Award | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Caroline FISHER (Supervisor), Kerry MCCALLUM (Supervisor) & Jee Young LEE (Supervisor) |