An Analysis on the Communication Strategy of Parliamentarians in Interactive Radio Broadcast Programs in Radio Republik Indonesia and Radio Elshinta

Radio is a very important medium in the mass communication of information for development in such a vast country like Indonesia. We have noted that Indonesian politicians today have shown a keen and pro-active outlook to seek and participate in two-way interactive radio broadcast programs run by the Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) and Elshinta, as a mode of social and political interaction with the wider Indonesian public. Thus, our study attempts to understand how interactive broadcast programs are deployed by members of Parliament in the House of Representatives (DPR) in order to meet and create impactful development goals for the State and its society. We carried out a content analysis of transcripts of interaction from interactive broadcast programs between deejay, member of Parliament and the caller, as well as from in-depth interviews with selected Parliamentarians. Our findings indicate that the elements of interaction and conclusively are the preferred communication strategy by members of Parliament to constructing a coherent and interactive public sphere. The gatekeeping practice in these radio stations does keep these politicians honest and professional in giving their opinion on current issues, particularly, the public services. In conclusion, whilst the State and society should be able to enjoy improved public services from an effective and impactful communication strategy, however, the fact is that these interactive broadcast programs have apparently been manipulated as the channel and opportunity by members of Parliament to voice their exclusive and personal opinions on current issues.