'TV critics should push for change'<\/p>\n
Ten private TV stations and state TVRI have been criticized for
\nabandoning education and information broadcasting and focusing
\nmore on entertainment. In observance of the anniversary of TVRI
\nand some private TV channels on Aug. 24, The Jakarta Post asked
\nsome residents their opinion on TV programs currently being
\naired.<\/p>\n
Hadi Sunaryo, 36, works for a management consulting firm on
\nJl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta. He lives with his wife and two
\nchildren in Bintaro, South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
Television, at least in advanced countries, is being sidelined
\nby the emergence of the Internet, just as, ironically, it once
\nsidelined to some extent the radio, magazines and newspapers.<\/p>\n
But since Internet access is still at a low level in
\nIndonesia, TV has maintained its top position as the public's
\nmain source of information, education and entertainment.<\/p>\n
The plethora of infotainment and mystical programs and the
\nrecent trend in talent shows is unavoidable as a result of simple
\neconomics: Where there's a demand, there'll always be a supply.<\/p>\n
If ratings reveal that such shows are popular, and therefore
\npotential advertising magnets, then TV stations will keep on
\nairing them.<\/p>\n
So-called more educative programs should not decry such shows
\nas uneducated, because educational attainment in Indonesia
\nremains low.<\/p>\n
Critics should do something more useful if they really care
\nabout the danger of decadence through TV, like pushing the
\ngovernment to prioritize education and foster a culture of
\nreading in society.<\/p>\n
Iyan, 23, works for a private company in Pasar Minggu, South
\nJakarta. He lives with his parents in Manggarai, South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I think the quality of TV news today has declined as compared
\nwith previous years. This is related to the increasing frequency
\nof crime shows that only highlight petty crimes, which I think
\nare not important at all; they tend to be repetitive as well.<\/p>\n
Therefore, I still rely on newspapers to get my daily dose of
\ninformation.<\/p>\n
Of course, I also notice that many TV channels offer celebrity
\ngossip as well as mystical and talent shows. I think it's natural
\nfor TV channels to air such programs because many people are
\nreally entertained by them.<\/p>\n
I like to watch Akademi Fantasi Indosiar every Saturday night
\nfor the exciting competition that the participants have to go
\nthrough.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tv-critics-should-push-for-change-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }