Foreign news more interesting

Foreign news more interesting

From Neraca

I am a faithful TV viewer. I am doing this because I have no other alternative but to watch either commercial TV or the state- run TVRI. I especially like the information programs. Both local and international news coverage is clear and concise.

I like to follow the Indonesian news programs on TV, since they do not require translating into our local dialect and are thus easier on my mind. Aside from the point of language familiarity, the TV news programs are dished up in my taste. I like programs with genuine Indonesian cultural backgrounds best, although news programs should actually suit any race.

I used to listen to foreign news broadcasts. Their information is always accurate, direct, and in line with our demands. News broadcasts on BBC, ABC, and CNN are always presented in detail, and they are completely open. They offer brief news broadcasts and no mincing of words. Despite a biased element in their broadcasts, it seems this kind of broadcasting is drawing huge audiences.

I am quite certain that local journalists have no intentions of disguising the truth. They seem to be considering other factors which are affecting clarity and conciseness of news coverage.

One reason for this can be found in the various cases of journalists who were abused and mistreated. News stories are now written in such a way that much is left to the reader's imagination.

In such conditions, what is left of the fourth power (the press) after the threefold division of political authority? The press has stopped functioning.

HESTININGRUM

Bekasi, West Java