TV programs scrambled

TV programs scrambled

From Kompas

Last year I was compelled to purchase a satellite disc to
prevent my children from watching satellite TV at our neighbors
house. Although at the time RCTI scrambled some of its programs
(they could not be received normally), especially direct relays
of soccer matches and widescreen films, the disc was a help
because of the greater choice of channels it offered, including
foreign telecasts.

The problem is that of late nearly all the private TV stations
have been doing the same thing. Close observation reveals that
only fairly good programs that are popular with viewers are
scrambled.

RCTI did not do it in the beginning, SCTV started doing it
after its anniversary in 1997, ANteve mainly did it with Famili
100 (Family 100) when the quiz program began to gain popularity,
instead of live soccer and other sports programs, but finally it
too has joined the pack. TPI only scrambles its cartoons and
Indosiar scrambles live relays of boxing matches.

Why are these programs scrambled?

Is it not an egotistical attitude? Is there a covert business
interest at stake? If it is to protect their telecast rights,
what about their other programs? Does it cost more to show Famili
100 than to screen English and Spanish league matches? Do not
force us who live in areas that are remote from information and
who are leading a frugal life, to subscribe to Indovision.

I hope my complaint will get a response from the information
minister. The much proclaimed equal distribution is no use if
even such TV programs are begrudged.

FAHMI RAIS

Simpong, Luwuk Banggai