Algorithmic shift

This study takes a closer look at how journalism in Medan is changing in the fast-moving era of digital media. In the past, newsroom routines were quite predictable: editors and reporters met, discussed which stories mattered, and then published them according to fixed schedules. Today the situation feels very different. To understand these changes, this research used a qualitative approach by conducting in-depth interviews and observations with eight journalists and editors from print and online media in Medan between October and December 2025. The findings show several important shifts: newsroom routines now run in real time rather than in fixed editorial cycles, the spread of news increasingly depends on social media and algorithmic amplification, editorial decisions are often guided by audience analytics and digital performance indicators, and journalists themselves are learning to combine traditional journalistic values with digital strategies. In short, journalism in Medan is moving toward a kind of hybrid style. Professional journalistic standards are still very important, but now they must work side by side with the powerful influence of digital platforms. The newsroom today is no longer just about writing good stories—it is also about understanding how the digital world works. Because of that, journalists in Medan need more than traditional reporting skills. They also need digital savvy if they want their stories to stay credible, relevant, and reach readers in today’s fast-moving online environment.

Analytics · Digital media · Journalism · Social media · Technical Journalism · Education, Sociology, Communication Studies · Islamic Finance and Communication · Sustainability, Governance, and Employment Studies