JTUS, Vol. 01, No. 10 November 2023 912

JTUS, Vol. 01, No. 10 November 2023

E-ISSN: 2984-7435, P-ISSN: 2984-7427

THE ROLE OF TELEVISION MEDIA IN SHAPING PEOPLE'S PERCEPTIONS

OF RELIGION

Erlan Gantira

, Widia Ningsih

, Anel nailul muna

1,2

Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia

Universitas al-azhar kairo mesir, Mesir

Email: erlan.gantira@gmail.com, widianingsih6[email protected]om, anelnailulmuna[email protected]om

Abstract

The media plays an important role in shaping people's perception of religion. So great is the

role of the media in shaping public opinion towards religion, both building a positive image

and a negative image. The purpose of this study is how the role of television mass media in

shaping people's perception of religion. The research method used in this study is qualitative

descriptive method. The role of television media in shaping people's perception of religion to

create a more varied and innovative religious broadcast package, so as to invite viewers'

interest, it is necessary to pay attention to the principles of television broadcasting in Islam and

some theories of mass communication related to television broadcasting.

keywords: Television; Media; People's Perceptions

INTRODUCTION

Media comes from the word medium which means intermediary. In the perspective of media

communication can be understood a tool or technology and also an institution (Ramli, 2015). In

its development, media is divided into its types, there are conventional media, namely media born

in the era before the existence of internet technology and new media, namely media born after

the existence of internet technology. The mass media means the wider community or general or

audience. The role of the media in shaping public perception is very influential because mass

media has several functions, namely the information function, social control function, educational

function, and entertainment function (As, 2014).

Analyzing the growth of media in the midst of people's lives provides its own role in seeing

the role of its presence for life itself (Wahyuni, 2017). This is important to understand because the

existence of the position of the media and the embodiment of the world of communication in

people's lives are two essences that are interrelated. Although the media touches more on the

outermost aspect and communication is on the deepest aspect, the two have an absolute that

cannot be separated. Mass media has a huge influence in building a multicultural society because

of its very potential role to raise public opinion as well as a forum for dialogue between levels of

The Role of Television Media in Shaping People's Perceptions of Religion

JTUS, Vol. 01, No. 10 November 2023 913

society (Laksono, 2017; Widodo, 2021). Related to the issue of cultural diversity (multiculturalism),

the role of mass media in Tatang Muttaqin's view is like a double-edged knife, playing a positive

role as well as playing a negative role (Mas’udi, 2013).

The selection of topics to be discussed in the media will affect people's perception of the

topic. The media also acts as a medium of conveying goodness, becoming a tool of da'wah to

convey amar makruf nahi munkar, the media is a means of da'wah in inviting the community

towards a good and safety. Not only that, the media plays an important role in shaping people's

perception of religion. So great is the role of the media in shaping public opinion towards religion,

both building a positive image and a negative image (Ritonga, 2018).

Figure 1: Data on television media users in Indonesia by age

Source: (Cindy Mutia Annur, 2022)

Based on figure 1, it was obtained that users, the majority of TV users in Indonesia are aged

50 years and over. The percentage reaches 23%. Then, in the age group of 40-49 years, the

percentage of TV users in the country is 18%, the population aged 30-39 years is 21%, the age of

20-29 years is 20%, 10-19 years old is 19% in terms of gender, the majority of TV users in Indonesia

are women as much as 51%, while men are 49%.

The survey was conducted on 11,500 respondents of TV users aged 10 years and over. The

survey was conducted in June-August 2022 in 11 major cities in Indonesia.

Based on these data, this paper is still considered relevant to discuss mass media such as TV

in shaping people's perceptions, especially about religion, is still very strong. With the support of

the use of agenda setting and management theory used by television mass media. The same

thing is supported by research that has been done that mass media can have a positive effect and

can also have a negative effect on society. The media cannot dictate to society. But it is the public

who chooses which media shows he wants to see. Religion can be a filter in the reception of mass

media messages to us.

Based on the formulation of the problem above, it can be conveyed that the purpose of

writing is how the role of television mass media in shaping people's perceptions of religion. How

the role of religious figures using the media in shaping perceptions of religion.

Erlan Gantira, Widia Ningsih, Anel Nailul Muna

914 JTUS, Vol. 01, No. 10 November 2023

METHODS

The research method used in this study is qualitative descriptive method. The type of data

used in this study is qualitative data, which is categorized into two types, namely primary data and

secondary data. Data sources are obtained through library study techniques that refer to sources

available both online and offline such as: scientific journals, books and news sourced from trusted

sources. These sources are gathered based on discussion and linked from one piece of information

to another. The data collection techniques used in this study were observation, interviews and

research. This data is analyzed and then conclusions are drawn.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The role of television mass media in shaping people's perceptions of religion

Television is one of the mass media that plays a very important role in society, with the

emergence of private television which most of them prioritize information and education

programs, meaning that television broadcast competition will be tighter to lead to competitive

competition (Nurliana, 2020).

According to Mar'at Effendi, television shows in general influence the attitudes of views,

perceptions and feelings of the audience. If there are things that cause the audience to be moved,

fascinated or angry is not something special, one of the psychological influences of television is

as if hypnotizing the audience, where the audience is immersed in the atmosphere of the television

show.

The first purpose of developing television media is that as a source of information is already

a necessity that cannot be separated from human life, and is also one of the most effective

persuasive communication tools, for that more serious attention is needed to these media. So it

is very appropriate and a step forward if the media is also used as a means to broadcast the

teachings of Islam. Mass media such as television, radio, newspapers, and the internet are the best

alternatives to Islamic da'wah media that are very potential (Nurliana, 2020).

Many televisions among the public have provided a great opportunity to use them to

achieve the desired goals. The various programs he presents that are really varied have made

television a media that is liked by every level of society. Television is a medium that can be used

for the benefit of its managers, if directed to negative things, it will produce negative values and

vice versa.

Television can be used as a medium of da'wah in developing or instilling Islamic teachings

(Sikumbang & Ulwani, 2021). Television programs can be presented by paying attention to the

urgency of Islamic values in society. But of course, these programs must not lose their functions

simply because they are seasoned with Islamic values.Using television as a means of da'wah for

all circles of society does not have to change television broadcasts revolutionistically. These

programs must not lose the element that is their own attraction for the community. The concept

is to combine the privileges of the program with Islamic da'wah.

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JTUS, Vol. 01, No. 10 November 2023 915

The magnitude of the influence of audio-visual media in shaping public opinion and

influencing their perceptions and behavior in the midst of society. Especially in the midst of the

rapid flow of information technology and globalization today, where Islam and Muslims are

cornered with various tests and trials (the effects of news inequality). Information warfare on the

screen is inevitable, even Muslims today are a desperate group, if not to be said to be the party

that almost lost the information war.

Therefore, in the midst of the onslaught of opinions that corner Islam and the Islamic da'wah

movement, it is time for Muslims to have their own television stations that serve to provide

defense against misinformation about religious teachings and their followers. Even if it cannot

realize an Islamic-based television station, at least Islamic da'wah which is currently still being

developed through television, is further improved by fixing all forms of shortcomings in order to

attract viewers to watch it, so that it seems more varied and innovative. In other words, Islamic

da'wah is still given space to be aired by television, not just a complement to the list of events or

just a formality.

To create a more varied and innovative religious broadcast package, so as to attract viewers'

interest, it is necessary to pay attention to the principles of television broadcasting in Islam and

some theories of mass communication related to television broadcasting. Islam through its holy

book the Qur'an recommends that there are some adherents (such as television people) who call

for goodness and amar ma'ruf nahi mungkar, in a gentle way (persuasive), firm and true, and by

giving lessons or advice (either by speech or behavior).

It is a very, very big loss, if television, which today has become a necessity and can no longer

be separated from human life, cannot be used as a medium for Islamic da'wah

Information in mass communication is quite important. Information is a component of

communication in general. At least when described, in the process of communication there are at

least three main elements, namely communicators, communicants and messages. This message is

what we can then call information. Similarly, if we have discussed other forms of communication

such as mass communication. In it there must also be a process of exchanging or conveying

information, it's just that it involves a larger number of individuals. The first function of information

in mass communication is to provide new knowledge in a broad scope. The scope of mass

communication is usually general so that it will be easier to provide new knowledge effectively.

Mass media is very influential in people's lives, just like mass media can shape diversity in society.

This happens because continuous news can cause a person to experience changes in terms of

value systems, thoughts, human actions and people's daily lives.

So powerful is the media in shaping religious perceptions can be analyzed from one example

of a major incident in 2001, namely the tragedy of the WTC building in the United States, it was

reported that the tagedi was initiated by the Muslim group al-Qaeda. Immediately the incident

can form a bad perception of Muslims or the religion of Islam. Imam Shamsi Ali, an Indonesian

mosque imam living in New York City, was heading to his workplace at the United Nations that

Erlan Gantira, Widia Ningsih, Anel Nailul Muna

916 JTUS, Vol. 01, No. 10 November 2023

morning, among those who felt the impact, not physically, but in the form of insults. So thirsty

was the mass media at that time to report Islam as a terrorist religion,

Another incident was during the world cup event in Qatar was also very pronounced, that

how media from Europe formed perceptions about Islam. Western media such as BBC London still

report negative things about Muslims in Qatar. The issue of SARA which is related to the freedom

to respect transgender, LGBT people is very widely circulated, even the German team covered

their mouths during the photo session as a sign of protest against Qatar not allowing transgender

people to enter their country which adheres to Islamic Sharia.

The definition of framing put forward by Entman is the definition that is most often a

reference for research in framing analysis. (Sobur, 2017). Entman explains that news framing

primarily involves selection and importance in making information more high-profile and

attention-grabbing to audiences. Entman himself has developed a framing analysis model known

as Robert N. Entman's framing analysis model.

The role of religious figures in using the media in promoting perceptions of religion

A religious figure is a person who does not get a formal appointment as a leader, but

because he has a number of superior qualities Ali, (2017), Achieve a position as a person who is

able to influence psychological conditions and behavior for society. Therefore, religious figures

have become role models for the community and already have religious knowledge to easily

provide understanding to the community. Therefore, people who do not understand about the

religion then religious leaders are present to explain about the religion.

The role of religious figures has meaning as an effort made by a religious figure to have a

positive impact on people's lives, both individually and socially (Gemilang, 2021; Toweren, 2018).

The relationship between religious figures and society is in the patron-client relationship. The

religious figure is considered the center of authority derived from religious beliefs and has

absolute authority over the interpretation of religious sources, so in such a relationship the

relationship is formed only on the basis of obedience. In addition, the relationship between

religious figures and society is bound by religious emotions that are so close. Charismatic power

is increasingly binding on society. Likewise, the role of religious figures, who are considered as

sources of solving religious problems they have, further strengthens these relationships.

Regarding the roles, functions and obligations of these religious figures; Umar Hashim said

there are six functions, roles and responsibilities of religious figures as Islamic religious

broadcasters, spiritual leaders, carrying the trust of Allah swt, guiding the people, and enforcing

the truth. Thus religious figures occupy a very important position in society, especially as a bridge

from the process of transmitting religious values/rules. Religious figures are seen as figures who

understand various issues of religious law, both related to worship and muamalat (Widiastuti,

2017). Religious formation carried out by religious leaders and community leaders in adolescents

in Rantau Panjang Village was successful, as seen from changes in behavior in adolescents.

The Role of Television Media in Shaping People's Perceptions of Religion

JTUS, Vol. 01, No. 10 November 2023 917

1. Preaching the values of piety that can improve the quality of faith of ma'mum or its followers. For

example, in programs carried out by TV One such as Tabligh Akbar, or in Indosiar and MNC is the

lecture "mamah dedeh". Furthermore, in every Ramadan there are always tausiyah shows from

Q.H Qurayshhab and other TV programs.

2. Efforts made by religious leaders in order to develop religious tolerance are through dialogue

between religious leaders and fostering followers of their respective religions. As done by one of

the religious figures who is currently hyped is Habib Ja'far. On several occasions often appear and

conduct inter-religious dialogue.

Always preach steps in conveying the message of religious tolerance. Because of the fact

that today things that should be echoed apart from Akidah are still maintaining the unity and

unity of religious people and fulfilling rights and obligations as religious people in the Indonesian

state.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of the analysis of various references that discuss the role of television

media in shaping people's perceptions of religion To create a more varied and innovative religious

broadcast package, so as to invite viewers' interest, it is necessary to pay attention to the principles

of television broadcasting in Islam and some theories of mass communication related to television

broadcasting. Islam through its holy book the Qur'an recommends that there are some adherents

(such as television people) who call for goodness and amar ma'ruf nahi mungkar, in a gentle way

(persuasive), firm and true, and by giving lessons or advice (either by speech or behavior).

It is a very, very big loss, if television, which today has become a necessity and can no longer

be separated from human life, cannot be used as a medium for Islamic da'wah.

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