Broadcast lapses affect sales

PEKANBARU, Riau: Electronic goods vendors complained over a sharp drop in antennae sales, which was attributed to broadcast disruptions from several television stations there, Antara reported Monday.

"Since the parabola antennae can no longer catch several private television programs, sales of the devices have plunged," Yeni, one of the vendors, said.

The missing programs were on ANteve, Indosiar, SCTV and later followed by TPI. The agency did not indicate the cause of the disruptions.

Every month saw an average of at least 30 orders for such antennae from residents, including those in transmigration areas, she said. "But this month there are almost no requests."

Parabola antennae vary from Rp 1.9 million to Rp 3 million each, depending on reception capability.

The agency said the parabola antennae could now only receive foreign programs such as those on CNN, TV3, TV1, CNBC and MTV. Common television antennae could only get reception from TVRI, RCTI and SCTV. (edt)