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