Management of the Transformation from Print Media to Online Media in Facing Digital Disruption at Sumut Pos Daily Newspaper Medan: The Perspective of Tabayyun, Amanah, and Maslahah

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the media convergence process undertaken by Sumut

Pos Daily Newspaper in Medan in facing digital disruption, encompassing

strategies for integrating print and online media platforms sustainably. Media

convergence is a process of technological, industrial, and content integration that

enables print media to develop a digital presence without abandoning its

conventional platform. Digital disruption has fundamentally altered the media

industry landscape, pushing print newspaper companies to converge or face

business sustainability threats. The research employs a descriptive qualitative

approach with a case study method. Data collection was conducted through in-

depth interviews with Asih Astuti as Editor-in-Chief of Sumut Pos,

supplemented by field observations and analysis of internal company documents.

The results indicate that Sumut Pos implemented gradual media convergence

starting approximately seven years before the interview was conducted (prior to

the Covid-19 pandemic), developing a website, mobile application, and social

media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook) while maintaining

daily print production. Primary challenges include changing HR mindsets toward

digital work rhythms, budget constraints, and competition from digital-native

news portals and social media influencers. From an Islamic perspective, this

transformation is also guided by tabayyun in verifying information, amanah in

maintaining responsibility and trustworthiness, and maslahah in providing

beneficial information to the public. Key success factors are determined by

leadership consistency, the strength of local content, and the synergy of the Jawa

Pos Group network through the JPG Newsroom system. Sumut Pos digital

traffic averages 300,000 page views per month, although the largest revenue

source remains print media. This research contributes to the development of local

media convergence management models in Indonesia while integrating Islamic

values into digital media management.