'RCTI' responds

'RCTI' responds

Soccer has become a global industry aimed at profit-making.
Kirch Media spent a huge sum of money to secure the World Cup
2002 broadcasting license from FIFA. Kirch Media required that
RCTI pay US$5 million for the right to broadcast in Indonesian
territory. The high cost also applies to other countries
interested in the same license.

People are fortunate to be in Indonesia to watch World Cup
matches for free. Many other countries like Italy and India
charge their viewers fees because the license is held by cable TV
or obliges them to pay per view. RCTI imposes no charges,
although entitled to do so, in order to cover the big license
cost and to turn a profit.

To RCTI, the satisfaction of viewers in Indonesia, most of
whom are fond of soccer, is more important than mere profit-
seeking. Therefore, it is only natural if commercials as the only
source of income of private TV stations are featured at
intervals, especially for a program of the caliber of the World
Cup 2002.

Nevertheless, RCTI continues to strive to make commercials
appear more tasteful, without disrupting too much the enjoyment
of viewers and at the same time without ignoring our commitment
with advertisers. RCTI has made a marked improvement since June
3, 2002, in which matches are presented in full with the names of
players and national anthems. It is indeed difficult to please
all parties.

TEGUH JUWARNO

PT Rajawali Citra

Televisi Indonesia

Jakarta