Critical Perspective: The Influence of Narrative and Tone of Media Broadcasts on Social Unrest (Case Study: Xpose Uncensored Trans 7 about Kyai Pondok Pesantren Lirboyo)

Abstract

This paper critically analyzes the nexus between biased journalistic practices and their impact on social unrest, through a case study of the Trans 7 'Xpose Uncensored' investigative broadcast concerning the Kyai of the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School (Ponpes) in 2025. The research objective is to identify and dissect how the program's narrative, diction, and tone of voice created a negative framing that delegitimized the religious institution, as well as to measure its influence on polarization and conflict within society. This study employs a qualitative approach with critical content analysis of the broadcast's verbal and non-verbal text (tone of voice), supported by Robert Entman's Framing Theory and a review of the Journalistic Code of Ethics (KEJ) The main findings indicate that 'Xpose Uncensored' systematically utilized a Delegitimizing Frame through three key instruments: (1) Contrasting Diction Choices that juxtaposed the Kyai's luxury with the students' simplicity, (2) A Cynical and Insinuating Tone of Voice by the narrator to guide opinion toward judgment, and (3) Violations of KEJ Articles 1 and 3 by omitting the principle of balance (cover both sides) and mixing facts with editorial opinions The impact of this tendentious framing was the triggering of widespread social unrest, marked by collective anger and strong protests from the pesantren community and the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) organization, who viewed the broadcast as an attack on the dignity of religious scholars. This case culminated in a temporary suspension sanction for the program by the KPI (Indonesian Broadcasting Commission). This paper concludes that the media's failure to adhere to ethics and cultural empathy is a primary source of polarization that potentially divides unity.