Television channels have vast space for more than mindless shows
Television channels have vast space for more than mindless shows
Simon Marcus Gower, Principal, Harapan Bangsa, High School, Kotamodern,
Tangerang, Banten
Recently the number of network television channels available
in Indonesia has increased and so, for the viewing public, it
would seem that there is more choice available for viewing
pleasure. However, is quantity exceeding quality? In certain
instances the quality of what may be viewed on Indonesian
television is, in fact, dropping worryingly low.
Some may argue that quality is not a major concern; people
just use it to pass the time. However, television can play a
vital role in spreading learning and information about our world.
It is the hugely pervasive and influential affect of television
that perhaps Indonesian television bosses and producers should
think a little more carefully of.
As their numbers grow so too will the influence they may have.
Presently it seems that often fairly mindless television is being
targeted and produced and broadcast. There are exceptions,
though.
Perhaps the most shocking example of this is the kind of
programming that TPI (Televisi Pendidikan Indonesia, or Education
Television Indonesia) has been resorting to. At a time when the
nation of Indonesia is racked by often horrific violence; where
neighbor fights neighbor, village attacks village and thousands
of Indonesians have suffered in a vicious cycle of violence, it
is truly appalling that a television channel that was founded on
the principle of providing educational programming would lower
itself to show programs that seem to advocate violence.
Programs that present brutal and genuinely, deeply offensive
physical violence apparently for entertainment.
It is hard, if not impossible, to think of any educational
value in these programs such as Ultimate Fight Championship and
Pride Fight Championship. Should the blood of one of the fighters
that participate in the gladiatorial-like bouts be spilled, the
camera zooms in to make sure that the viewer's blood-lust is
satiated.
Between bouts Indonesian commentators sit in a Jakarta studio
and try to weave some notion that skill and strategy is being
applied in amongst all the brutality. Programs such as this are
not only offensive, they are dangerous because undoubtedly many
of the viewers will be enjoying these ugly spectacles. Some will
be thinking that this kind of brutality is acceptable and
something that they might willingly and easily engage in for
themselves.
To broadcast such trashy programs is also saddening in the
context of what the same channel also provides. Programs of
genuine educational value from the likes of Discovery Channel
form part of the same evening's viewing. Additionally, mainstream
and acceptable sports such as football and motor-racing are well
represented on this channel. Why then, one wonders, does this
channel resort to such grossly offensive programming?
It can easily be concluded that the channel seeks to
capitalize on an apparently widespread bloodthirstiness of the
viewing public. The pursuit of ratings (gained easily) through
controversial and provocative programs is a temptation too great
to resist.
This channel is not alone, however, in programming viewing
time for what amounts to televised trash. RCTI also resorts to
showing WWF wrestling which, with its childish play-acting and
scripted fights, is moronic to the point of being pitiful. Yet
people will tune in to watch this mindless nonsense and, if they
do in sufficient numbers, presumably the television station
bosses are happy.
At a time when the whole world still suffers in the grip of
cyclical violence, it seems sad that television is not being
utilized for more worthy purposes than the portrayal or
presentation of violence for some sick entertainment purposes.
This is particularly true of Indonesia where television could and
really should be so useful educationally.
Television was without doubt one of the greatest technological
advances of the 20th century. It changed the lives of people on a
daily basis. To fail to capitalize on its potential for
educational purposes would be sad indeed. Such a failure would
amount to a waste or even an insult to the technology that is
being used.
One of the greatest technological advances for the 21st
century would often seem to be wasted on little more than
chatting or the pursuit of pornography. The Internet too could be
wasted technology for many people if not more thoughtfully used.
But for television channels and their programming the
opportunity is there and it is there here and now, as the network
of Indonesian television channels is increasing. There are signs
of hope with some good documentary programming and the use of
Discovery Channel's output but one may also note a relative lack
of local productions of educational value.
With imaginative and creative producers, excellent,
entertaining and educational television programs could be
produced that genuinely attract viewers. It seems that TPI in its
earlier days and perhaps TVRI (Television of the Republic of
Indonesia) may have produced local education programs that were
rather dull and did not attract viewers. But educational
programming does not have to be dull.
Anybody that views the likes of National Geographic Channel or
Discovery cannot help but be impressed by the quality of
programming production and the superb way in which our wonderful
world is presented. The educational value of these televised
materials in intrinsic. As Indonesia's networked television
stations increase in number so too should the educational value
of television to the people of Indonesia grow.