Networks reduce TV violence<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's commercial television stations have
\nbegun phasing out violence on the air to comply with a government
\nappeal, despite its popularity with viewers as well as
\nadvertisers.<\/p>\n
A. Alatas Fahmi, director of operations at Television
\nPendidikan Indonesia (TPI), told Antara yesterday that commercial
\nnetwork executives now hold periodic meetings to review the state
\nof the industry, which have resulted in a move to reduce the
\namount of violence in films.<\/p>\n
Fahmi admitted that the move would only be successful if done
\nin a concerted manner, involving all stations without exception.<\/p>\n
Films with \"violence, sex and mysticism\" are highly popular
\nwith Indonesian audiences, he said. \"Is there something wrong
\nwith our society?\"<\/p>\n
The high ratings stimulate competition among advertisers eager
\nto sponsor them, he said.<\/p>\n
He did not refer to any specific program, but said some
\nprograms have been withdrawn as a result of the regular meetings
\nbetween the networks.<\/p>\n
Fahmi said to ensure compliance the government is expected to
\nreprimand those stations that violate the agreement to reduce
\nviolence.<\/p>\n
Network executives are also drawing up a code of ethics for
\ntelevision broadcasters. \"As it is now, we have difficulties in
\ndetermining the parameters for films that are considered
\nviolent,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Television stations have been widely criticized in the past
\nyear for the amount of violence shown, which some experts have
\neven linked to rising crime rates.<\/p>\n
The latest criticism came from Minister of Information
\nHarmoko, whose portfolio includes supervision of the television
\nindustry.<\/p>\n
Harmoko said during a speech to mark the anniversary of TVRI,
\nthe state television network, that he was concerned that the
\nfierce competition for ratings has led to more \"violence, sex and
\nmysticism\" on television programs. (emb)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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