Content Analysis of Flood Reporting in Online Media in Bandar Lampung February-May 2024 Period

Abstract

The role of online media in shaping public perception is highly significant, as media platforms serve as the primary source for information production and news dissemination. In the context of disasters, this role becomes even more critical and is closely tied to the field of disaster journalism. Understanding the direction and framing of news coverage allows us to analyze how particular issues or events are presented to the public and how such portrayals may influence public opinion and behavior. This study employs a content analysis method within a disaster journalism framework to examine media tendencies in reporting on the flood disaster in Bandar Lampung City. The findings indicate that all three analyzed media outlets made efforts to fulfill their social responsibility by delivering essential information to the public. However, to enhance their role in disaster communication, the media are encouraged to take a more proactive stance—by engaging expert sources, amplifying the voices of affected communities, and offering long-term, solution-oriented perspectives. Such improvements would help ensure that media coverage not only informs but also supports more effective public understanding and response to disasters.