Wajah Jurnalisme Selebriti di Era Komodifikasi Citra

Abstract

The digital era has brought significant changes to journalism practices, particularly in the genre of celebrity journalism, which is now increasingly influenced by the commodification of self-image. This study aims to analyze how celebrity journalism commodifies the self-image of celebrities through digital media reporting strategies. Using a qualitative approach and discourse analysis, this study seeks to examine the role of celebrity journalism, news framing patterns, and image management strategies as tools for enhancing celebrities' popularity and economic value. The findings reveal that digital media not only report facts but also actively produce symbolic realities (transforming celebrities’ identities into commodities with market value). The digital social media ecosystem further strengthens the commodification of celebrities’ self-image by providing direct interaction between celebrities and the public while maintaining an ideal image. This study also reveals ethical and social challenges arising from such commodification, such as the legitimization of self-image, the loss of authenticity, and excessive personal exploitation. These findings are important for understanding the dynamics of celebrity journalism and the process of celebrityzation in the digital age within the context of an increasingly massive popular culture. Becoming a celebrity equals becoming a commodity. This means that everything about them can be sold, from their personal lives, statements, behavior, to family issues