Understanding how the media works and presenting scientific ideas with news value are key to ensuring that academic research and insights reach a wider audience. This message was delivered by Bisnis Indonesia Director and UGM alumnus, Hery Trianto, during the Popular Writing Workshop organized by FEB UGM in collaboration with Bisnis Indonesia. The event was part of FEB UGM’s efforts to strengthen lecturers’ capacity to write for mass media and to broaden the dissemination of knowledge to the public sphere.
In his presentation, Hery Trianto discussed strategies for capturing media attention. He shared several practical steps, such as selecting topics with high news value, building networks with editors, sharing data and perspectives of public interest, and staying up-to-date with media agenda dynamics.
“Academics need spaces like this to speak and share their thoughts as a contribution to the university and to enrich public discourse in the media. There are many areas of mutual interest, and we look forward to broader collaboration in the future,” he said on Thursday (October 16) at FEB UGM.
Meanwhile, Akhirul Anwar introduced the fundamentals of writing popular articles for mass media and provided technical guidance on crafting engaging and publishable opinion pieces.
“The essence of an opinion article is to present ideas or perspectives that aim to educate, offer critique and suggestions, and introduce new viewpoints. Opinion pieces should address current issues, relate to public interest, and carry a sense of urgency,” Akhirul explained.
According to him, writings by academics are highly valuable in providing enlightenment amid the flood of public opinions. The challenge, however, lies in conveying scientific ideas in language that is accessible and easy for the public to understand.
Report by: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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