Television quiz questioned

Television quiz questioned

As I understand from the news item in The Jakarta Post of Feb.
6, 1995, the proliferation of quiz shows on television has
prompted the Ministry of Social Affairs to question their
legality, on the grounds that they fall under the category of
"Lottery." I also understand that a number of legislators were of
the opinion that some of the quiz shows amounted to gambling.

It is only a question of how things are interpreted. In my
opinion the aim of any quiz program is to evaluate the general
knowledge or the IQ of a group of participants, and also to
enrich the knowledge of the general public who watch these quiz
programs. Any program that improves one's knowledge should be
considered an educational program.

About the prizes given to the winners, I would say that no
competition is complete without awarding a prize. If this prize
winning which is given for their talent is to be called a
lottery, I am afraid that every competition, be it a football,
billiards or racing, should be called "gambling" which would
amount to calling these skilled people "gamblers."

Questioning these quiz programs, on the grounds of absence of
permission is one thing, and on the grounds of legality is
another. The Ministry of Social Affairs has every right to
question legality if permission is not obtained, if the procedure
so requires.

My humble suggestion to all those concerned would be to
consider these quiz programs as educative and entertaining rather
than breaking our heads on the legal aspects.

P.R. VIJAYKUMAR

Jakarta