Between Post-Autocratic and Post-War Broadcasters: Comparing Public Radio in Indonesia and Germany

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article assesses the models of Indonesia and Germany’s public radio and particularly compares the two countries’ policies regarding their broadcasters. It begins by tracing the history of the two countries’ former state-run radio and the influence of political parallelism on the radio governance. This study applies qualitative methods and finds German and Indonesian public radio has been strongly influenced by changes in their countries’ political systems. Public radio in both countries experienced similar trips in post-autocracies but reaching different destinations. Germany’s radio has experienced rapid changes and enjoyed editorial freedom. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s public radio blends government and public interventions.