The Master’s Program in Islamic Communication and Broadcasting (MKPI) held an intriguing scientific discussion on Friday, March 22, 2024, featuring two speakers who delved into important topics in the field of communication and media. The discussion, held on campus, highlighted the importance of contemporary public relations strategies and the social construction of popular culture in mass media.

Mohammad Iqbal, from Al-Nahdlah Islamic Boarding School, opened the discussion with a presentation titled "Contemporary Public Relations Strategies." Iqbal emphasized the lack of effective public relations strategies in many religious educational institutions, including the challenges faced in building positive relationships with stakeholders. His research underscored the importance of understanding and implementing contemporary public relations strategies to enhance the image and reputation of pesantrens. The main focus of his study was the evaluation of public relations strategies applied by Al-Nahdlah Islamic Boarding School and how these strategies could be improved.

Meanwhile, Atikah Rahmah presented the topic "The Social Construction of Popular Culture Flexing in Mass Media," with a case study on news coverage about Reihana, the Lampung Health Office Head, on detik.com. Rahmah explored how mass media, particularly detik.com, shapes and influences public perceptions of flexing culture, a popular cultural phenomenon associated with flaunting wealth or social status. Using a phenomenological approach, Rahmah outlined the social construction process that occurs in the news coverage and its impact on public views about flexing culture.

Both speakers offered in-depth perspectives on how communication and broadcasting can be used to shape public understanding and attitudes towards contemporary issues. The discussion attracted many students, academics, and communication practitioners, paving the way for productive dialogue about the application of theory in real-world practice.

This event emphasized the importance of research and discussion in understanding the dynamics of modern communication, as well as the strategic role of public relations and media in shaping social and cultural constructions. With a constructivist paradigm as the foundation, these two studies invited participants to look deeper into how social reality is constructed and perceived in the context of public relations and popular culture.

Meanwhile, Tantan Hermansah, the Head of the MKPI Program, explained that studying contemporary issues can help build the character of good student researchers.  [THM]