Unhas TV Today: Yusran Darmawan and the Business of ‘Cuan’

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From left-right: the writer and Yusran Darmawan (dok: Pelakita.ID)

PELAKITA.ID – I am fortunate to have met one of the busiest alumni of Hasanuddin University, Yusran Darmawan, who currently serves as the Director of Unhas TV.

Yusran, a writer and proven influencer, is widely recognized for his personal blog, Timur Angin, where he shares insightful writings on culture, travel, and social issues. With an active social media presence, including Instagram, he has amassed thousands of followers and a growing readership.

“With Timur Angin and other social media platforms, I have reached seven million readers so far,” Yusran shared on Friday, February 14, 2024.

Through his work, he continues to contribute to cultural and social discourse in Indonesia.  He was chosen to be the director of Unhas TV based on his portfolio and network. Unhas TV is owned by the biggest university in eastern-Indonesia, Hasanuddin Unicersity.

Unhas TV: The Digital Media Platform of Universitas Hasanuddin

Unhas TV is the official digital television media of Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas), serving as a crucial platform for information and education through engaging programs.

“Including talk shows—if you have a program or event, you may use this service, which costs 3.5 billion Rupiah per event,” Yusran mentioned.

He highlighted Unhas TV’s exclusive studio interviews, which feature discussions on current trends and future projections.

“Under the guidance of Hasanuddin University Rector, Prof. Jamaluddin Jompa, Unhas TV aims to explore the world of entertainment with inspiring and in-depth perspectives,” Yusran explained.

“Prof. JJ, the Rector of Unhas is happy to see the progress so far,” he added.

Comprehensive and Engaging Content

Unhas TV now is one of the most visible online TV platforms in Indonesia. It offers diverse content, covering academics, politics, sports, and culture, ensuring audiences receive the latest and most reliable information.

The channel maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook, broadening its reach and engagement.

Through its various programs and platforms, Unhas TV plays a crucial role in enriching scientific, cultural, and humanitarian discourse in Indonesia. Last year, Yusran reported that during his six-month assignment, Unhas TV generated at least 100 million IDR per month, and now they have 40 personnels!

The Backbone of Unhas TV: State-of-the-Art Facilities

Thank you Yusran for showing me your studio, meeting hall, and equipment. I observe an advanced broadcasting technology, including Studio Equipment: High-definition cameras, tripods, microphones, and professional lighting, LED panels, and spotlights.

I visit also their production control room, transmission and broadcasting equipment.  Editing and post-production. “For editing and post-production, we use various applications supported by high-performance workstations and storage servers,” Yusran noted.

He also emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure: “We have streaming servers for online and digital broadcasting, as well as web and social media integration.”

According to Yusran – the Alumni of Ohio University – the history of modern television stations illustrates how technology continues to evolve, enhancing the viewing experience.

“With ongoing innovations, the future of modern television will be increasingly integrated with digital technology and artificial intelligence to deliver a more interactive and personalized experience for viewers,” he emphasized.

How Unhas TV Stays Competitive

His role is to bridge the survival and he competitiveness Unhas TV in broadcasting industry.

He states, a TV station must generate revenue, manage costs, and engage its audience. Unhas TV employs various strategies to sustain itself, including: Advertising: Selling ad slots to businesses, including small enterprises and culinary businesses.

Sponsorships, partnering with brands to fund specific programs in exchange for promotion. Content Syndication, receiving funding by distributing content to other networks. Inclusing Google AdSense, monetizing its YouTube and official website and product placement.

“Integrating brands into its shows for marketing purposes. And the most important is branded merchandise and events, how we generating revenue through exclusive product sales and event hosting,” Yusran explained.

The Key to Financial Sustainability

Yusran stressed the importance of identifying the target audience.

“But to me, the most crucial factor is creating high-quality content. We need engaging shows to attract both viewers and advertisers,” he explained.

He also emphasized the need for industry connections. “Unhas is a PTNBH (concern to business or self- help institution) campus, meaning we must seek financial sources as much as possible. Our internal market holds great potential, and forming partnerships with various Unhas units is essential,” Yusran concluded.

Through Yusran’n leadership and netweorks, with Unhas TV cutting-edge facilities, strategic monetization approaches, and a commitment to high-quality content, Unhas TV is well on its way to becoming a leading digital media platform in Indonesia.

In the interview with Pelakita.ID, Yusrnan stated that during his assignment, He designed strategies, consolidated resources, built partnerships, and monitored the performance of my team members.

He showed me how Unhas TV has engaged Faculty of Medicine of Unhas to share their faculty progrm regarding the health awareness. “In pratnership,” He added. Not only Unhas it self but also the Indonesian’s campus, including – for instance the VOA Indonesia.

“What I enjoyed most about this assignment was the freedom to define strategies, connect with potential partners, and explore new opportunities for growth and ‘cuan’ (profit),” he concluded.

 

Writer: Kamaruddin Azis