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