OFFSTONE JUNE EDITION 2024

32 lives of celebrities and public figures. However, media success in capturing audience interest does not always align with providing useful or educational content. The popularity of infotainment often revolves around sensationalism, rumors, and gossip, drawing attention through controversy rather than substance. The Development of Infotainment Program in Indonesia Infotainment in Indonesia has evolved significantly in line with mass media developments and changing viewer interests. The market for infotainment began in 1986 when Arswendo Atmowiloto launched the tabloid Monitor , followed by Bintang , which focused on news from the entertainment industry, including movies, music, and celebrities. The first television infotainment program, Cek and Ricek , debuted in 1996, paving the way for similar programs in the early 2000s. Today, infotainment programs are ubiquitous across television channels. RCTI broadcasts shows like Cek & Ricek, Silet, and Intens ; SCTV airs Hot Shot , Halo Selebriti, Status Selebritis, and Was Was ; while Indosiar features Kiss Pagi , Hot Issue Sore, and Hot Kiss Sore . Other channels like MNC TV, Global TV, and Trans 7 also have their own infotainment offerings. Only ANTV, Metro TV, TVRI, and TV One among national television networks do not air such programs. Infotainment has also expanded to other media platforms, including radio, the internet, and social media. Radio infotainment often takes the form of talk shows, where celebrities or public figures are interviewed, and popular music programs may include gossip about singers or bands. Online, YouTube channels like KH Infotainment and Infotainment MNCTV focus on entertainment news and gossip. Social media platforms such as Instagram host accounts like @diadona.id and @infotainment.sctv, which share the latest updates and gossip about celebrities and public figures. Similar content can be found on Twitter, Facebook groups, and pages dedicated to celebrity gossip and news. The Normalization of Gossip Culture Infotainment is designed to present information in an entertaining package. Many media observers categorize infotainment as part of soft journalism. However, over time, many infotainment programs have strayed from their original purpose. Instead of providing substantive information and education, they increasingly focus on gossip—discussions about other individuals, often in a negative tone, and centered on their personal lives. This shift has contributed to a change in societal perception. Gossip, once considered negative, taboo, or inappropriate, is now seen as commonplace and entertaining. Some shows even embrace gossip as their central appeal, as exemplified by the tagline of the Insert TV program: "Where Gossip Can Be Fun."