'TV critics should push for change'

'TV critics should push for change'

Ten private TV stations and state TVRI have been criticized for
abandoning education and information broadcasting and focusing
more on entertainment. In observance of the anniversary of TVRI
and some private TV channels on Aug. 24, The Jakarta Post asked
some residents their opinion on TV programs currently being
aired.

Hadi Sunaryo, 36, works for a management consulting firm on
Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta. He lives with his wife and two
children in Bintaro, South Jakarta:

Television, at least in advanced countries, is being sidelined
by the emergence of the Internet, just as, ironically, it once
sidelined to some extent the radio, magazines and newspapers.

But since Internet access is still at a low level in
Indonesia, TV has maintained its top position as the public's
main source of information, education and entertainment.

The plethora of infotainment and mystical programs and the
recent trend in talent shows is unavoidable as a result of simple
economics: Where there's a demand, there'll always be a supply.

If ratings reveal that such shows are popular, and therefore
potential advertising magnets, then TV stations will keep on
airing them.

So-called more educative programs should not decry such shows
as uneducated, because educational attainment in Indonesia
remains low.

Critics should do something more useful if they really care
about the danger of decadence through TV, like pushing the
government to prioritize education and foster a culture of
reading in society.

Iyan, 23, works for a private company in Pasar Minggu, South
Jakarta. He lives with his parents in Manggarai, South Jakarta:

I think the quality of TV news today has declined as compared
with previous years. This is related to the increasing frequency
of crime shows that only highlight petty crimes, which I think
are not important at all; they tend to be repetitive as well.

Therefore, I still rely on newspapers to get my daily dose of
information.

Of course, I also notice that many TV channels offer celebrity
gossip as well as mystical and talent shows. I think it's natural
for TV channels to air such programs because many people are
really entertained by them.

I like to watch Akademi Fantasi Indosiar every Saturday night
for the exciting competition that the participants have to go
through.

-- The Jakarta Post