Public backlash against TV levies<\/p>\n
The controversial collection of levies from TV owners is
\nmaking headlines again.<\/p>\n
State-owned Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI), driven to its
\nwit's end by the stubborn refusal of TV owners to pay their
\nmandatory contributions, is now using security personnel to
\nescort its collectors. Presumable the levies are the network's
\nonly funding source.<\/p>\n
When TVRI was still the only television network in Indonesia,
\nthe collection of levies from viewers was logical and acceptable.
\nBut, with the emergence of private television networks, the
\ncollection has lost its rationality for TV owners.<\/p>\n
To be honest, with programs that are lacking in innovation,
\nimagination and a competitive elan, TVRI is steadily losing
\nviewers. And so it makes sense for people, who regard themselves
\nas regular patrons of private television networks, to refuse to
\npay.<\/p>\n
It is time that TVRI starts putting its own house in order.<\/p>\n
If the ban on airing advertisements on TVRI must be
\nmaintained, then the government must be willing to commit itself
\nto funding the operations. In this way the state-owned network
\ncould become more competitive and attract more viewers.<\/p>\n
There seems to be a conflict for the government. On the one
\nhand, TVRI is said to be a vital media outlet, while on the
\nother, the funding of its operations is being neglected.<\/p>\n
People can no longer be forced to pay these unpopular TV
\ncontributions. Another, more sensible, means of funding must be
\nfound.<\/p>\n
How about slapping additional taxes on the purchase of a
\ntelevision set? This would be more professional than sending
\ncollectors from door to door.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/public-backlash-against-tv-levies-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }