Despite Initially Rejecting a Shift to Digital, What is MNC Group's Audience Share in Indonesia?

Television broadcasts from Media Nusantara Citra, also known as MNC Group, disappeared from analog TV channels in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek) in the early hours of Friday, November 4th. This occurred after the media company received a warning from Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD.

Previously, Mahfud stated that several private television stations were deemed "rebellious" for not switching off their analog broadcasts (analog switch off or ASO). These stations included RCTI, MNC TV, Global TV, iNews TV, TV One, and Cahaya TV.

"We will comply with the request starting Thursday, November 3rd, at 24:00 WIB," stated MNC Group in a written statement on Thursday, November 3rd.

However, the company owned by Hary Tanoesoedibjo felt it had no obligation to switch off its analog broadcasts. Their reasoning was that they had not yet received a letter revoking their analog broadcasting license.

They argued that the termination of analog TV broadcasts would harm the community around Jabodetabek. The company estimated that 60% of the population around the capital would no longer be able to enjoy television broadcasts, "except by purchasing a set-top box, replacing their television with a digital one, or subscribing to satellite TV," said MNC Group.

According to the company's report, MNC Group's (MNCN) free-to-air (FTA TV) audience share is the largest in Indonesia during prime time. It reached 44% in July 2022.

Meanwhile, Surya Citra Media (SCMA) held second place with 31%, followed by the media groups TRANS and VIVA with 16% and 10%, respectively.