An age for independence

I wonder why state-owned television station TVRI, which just celebrated its 35th anniversary, is still asking for financial support from citizens. Thirty-five years of age is normally considered an established stage, and one would expect TVRI to be independent and flourishing.

When TVRI was founded in 1962 as the only source of home entertainment for the people, everyone was excited and willing to contribute to its support. Citizens were loyal payers of TVRI levies despite the fact its main financial income was derived from commercial advertisements

For some unclear reasons, TVRI stopped running commercials not long after the private television station RCTI emerged. Other local private TV stations like SCTV, TPI, Indosiar and ANteve have since begun operations, all supporting themselves through commercial advertisements.

Poor TVRI, how could it be discriminated against? How come it cannot run its own business? If the authorities have decided to take it over, then it is the responsibility of the authorities to give full financial support to its welfare.

Viewers have so many choices today. They have those five local private TV channels, which provide them with more interesting programs free of charge, or satellite television which gives them freedom to choose. There are really no reason for the people to remain loyal to TVRI if it continues to burden them with levies.

A ratings survey finds TVRI at the bottom rate while RCTI is on top. Why must citizens pay for something they rarely make use of?

JENNY LAURITZ KHOENG

Jakarta