A media company may undertake many activities at once. Some publish news, produce videos, run podcasts, sell advertising, and even organize events. However, when it comes to press company status, these activities do not all have the same position.
Press Council Circular Number 01/SE-DP/VIII/2026 expressly states that press companies must have one mandatory primary KBLI code, while other KBLI codes may be used as supporting codes.
An important question then arises: if a company has several media business lines at once, which KBLI should be designated as its primary activity?
The answer requires examining the press activity that truly forms the company’s core business, rather than merely choosing the code that appears broadest.
Why Must a Press Company Have a Primary KBLI?
The 2026 Press Council Circular explains that a press company must take the form of a press legal entity.
One characteristic is the inclusion of a KBLI relating to press activities in the company’s deed of establishment.
The existence of a press legal entity and a press-related KBLI is also one criterion used by the Press Council when registering or verifying press companies.
Changes to the government’s KBLI structure in 2025 then prompted the Press Council to update the list of KBLI codes used for press companies.
One newly emphasized principle is:
a press company must have one mandatory primary KBLI code.
The company may still have other KBLI codes for supporting activities.
Seven Primary KBLI Codes for Press Companies in 2026
The Press Council Circular establishes seven KBLI codes in the primary KBLI group for press companies.
1. KBLI 58120: Newspaper Publishing
KBLI 58120 covers newspaper publishing, including advertising newspapers.
Interestingly, its definition is not limited to publication on paper.
The circular states that newspaper publishing in various forms, including print, electronic, digital, analog, and other forms, is included in this group.
Companies whose primary activity is newspaper publishing therefore need to examine the substance of their publishing activity, rather than solely the distribution medium.
2. KBLI 58130: Publishing of Journals and Periodicals
KBLI 58130 covers the publishing of journals and other periodicals.
This group also includes publication of radio and television broadcasting schedules.
As with the newspaper KBLI, publication may be in print, electronic, digital, analog, or other forms.
For companies whose products are journals, magazines, or periodic publications, this is one primary code to consider.
3. KBLI 60101: Analog Radio
KBLI 60101 is used for radio broadcasting services using analog signals.
The activities include operating studios and broadcasting facilities to transmit audio to the public, affiliates, and/or subscribers through terrestrial, cable, or satellite networks.
4. KBLI 60102: Digital Radio
KBLI 60102 has the same focus on radio activities, but uses digital signals.
The distinction between analog and digital radio requires broadcasting companies to examine the technology and service model they actually use.
5. KBLI 60202: Digital Television
KBLI 60202 covers television broadcasting and programming services using digital signals.
These activities are conducted through studios and broadcasting facilities to transmit video to the public, affiliates, and/or subscribers via terrestrial, cable, or satellite networks.
The circular also states that this group includes live broadcasting of theatrical performances.
6. KBLI 60311: Government News Agency Activities
KBLI 60311 covers news gathering, collection, processing, and dissemination undertaken by the government.
Information may be disseminated through print or electronic media, publishers, or broadcasters to inform the public.
7. KBLI 60312: Private News Agency Activities
For private companies, KBLI 60312 covers news agency activities involving news gathering, collection, processing, and dissemination.
These activities may be undertaken through print or electronic media, publishers, or broadcasters.
How Should the Primary KBLI Be Determined?
The Press Council Circular provides a list of primary KBLI codes but does not provide a detailed formula for each company’s choice.
In practice, companies therefore need to examine the activity that truly forms the core of their press business.
Look at the Main Media Product
The first question to answer is: what is the company’s main media product?
Does the company primarily publish newspapers, journals or magazines, operate radio or digital television, or function as a news agency?
This answer can help narrow the KBLI options.
Do Not Choose Based on Additional Activities
Modern media companies often have additional revenue sources.
For example, a news company may:
- sell advertising space;
- produce videos for clients;
- organize seminars;
- publish books; and
- undertake other media activities.
However, the Press Council Circular already provides the concept of Supporting KBLI for these additional activities.
Additional activities should therefore not automatically replace the press activity that constitutes the company’s primary business.
JHY Legal can help media companies review their business activity structure and distinguish activities more appropriately designated as primary or supporting, based on the nature of the company’s business.
What About Online Media?
The development of digital media is one reason this KBLI update matters.
The previous 2023 provisions still included several specific KBLI codes that were subsequently affected by changes to the government’s KBLI system in 2025.
The 2026 Press Council Circular updates that structure and establishes a new list of primary KBLI codes.
For certain publishing activities, the KBLI descriptions explicitly include electronic and digital forms.
Online media companies should therefore avoid choosing a code solely because of the terms “online” or “portal”.
What matters more is identifying the type of press activity undertaken based on the scope of the latest KBLI codes.
The Difference Between Primary and Supporting KBLI
This distinction needs to be understood before a company reorganizes its business activity structure.
Primary KBLI
The primary KBLI describes the press company’s core activity and is mandatory under the 2026 Press Council Circular.
The list consists of seven codes relating to newspaper publishing, periodicals, radio, digital television, and news agencies.
Supporting KBLI
Supporting KBLI codes are used for other activities undertaken by the company in addition to its primary press activity.
The Press Council Circular lists, among others:
- 18111: General Printing;
- 58110: Book Publishing;
- 59112: Private Motion Picture, Video, and Television Program Production;
- 73100: Advertising Activities;
- 73202: Public Opinion Polling;
- 74193: Specialized Design Activities;
- 82300: Organization of Conventions and Business Exhibitions; and
- 85582: Corporate Information and Communication Technology Training.
This structure allows media companies to operate broader businesses while maintaining clarity about their primary press activity.
What Should Be Checked Before Choosing a KBLI?
Media companies can undertake an internal review of several matters.
Review the Company’s Deed
The Press Council Circular connects press company status with the inclusion of press-related KBLI codes in the deed of establishment.
The KBLI codes stated in the deed are therefore an important element of the documents to review.
Map All Business Activities
Separate core activities from additional commercial activities.
This mapping helps the company determine which activity should be the primary KBLI and which are better suited to supporting KBLI codes.
Check Press Council Verification Status
Companies applying for verification must follow the new KBLI provisions.
Companies already verified must adjust their old KBLI codes to the new ones no later than when renewing their verification status.
JHY Legal can assist companies in reviewing business activities and corporate documents before adjusting KBLI codes or preparing for Press Council verification.
Conclusion
Press Council Circular Number 01/SE-DP/VIII/2026 clarifies the KBLI structure for press companies by requiring one primary KBLI code and allowing supporting KBLI codes.
There are seven primary KBLI codes covering newspaper publishing, journal and periodical publishing, analog radio, digital radio, digital television, government news agencies, and private news agencies.
The choice of primary KBLI should reflect the press activity that truly forms the company’s core. Activities such as advertising, video production, book publishing, events, and other additional activities may be considered within the supporting KBLI group if the company actually undertakes them.
For media companies applying for or renewing Press Council verification, the KBLI structure should be reviewed early so that business activities and company documents remain consistent with the latest provisions.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Read the JHY Legal disclaimer at https://jhylegal.com/disclaimer/.