Captive audiences

Captive audiences

From Surabaya Post

As there are plans to revise the Law on Relays as it pertains
to radio and television, I would like to make a few suggestions.

It is now compulsory for all radio and television stations to
relay particular live programs in addition to the Laporan Khusus,
or special report.

The required daytime TV transmissions are sometimes
rebroadcast in the evening.

Most of the subjects covered are not of interest to the
majority of viewers, who are nevertheless left with no choice
because each station is obligated to show the programs. It is as
though TV viewers, like it or not, are being forced to watch the
programs.

Of course, it is impossible to coerce somebody into paying
attention to a TV or radio program which is not of interest to
them.

Their alternative is to switch off the TV or radio. People
whose homes have satellite dishes can change to foreign
broadcasts.

I think the compulsory broadcasts are unnecessary. It would be
better to select which stations are obliged to make the relay. Or
the requirement should only be made of the state television and
radio networks. The private stations could inform their viewers
and listeners about the programs on the other networks at
staggered intervals.

Under this system, only those interested in the program will
tune in and scheduling of other TV and radio shows will be
undisturbed.

I hope this proposal will come in for consideration of those
overseeing the revision of the law.

DANIEL H.T.

Surabaya, East Java