TV stations issue guidelines on ethics

TV stations issue guidelines on ethics

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In response to public criticism over television broadcasting
content, the association of private televisions issued on
Thursday a guideline on ethics for broadcasting content and
ethics on the business.

The leaders of 10 private stations signed an agreement to
abide by the guidelines issued in a book published by the
Association of Indonesian Private Television Stations (ATVSI).

The guideline was formulated over the past six months and
follows a series of discussions with various viewers.

Chairman Karni Ilyas said that it was an attempt at self
regulation.

Apart from public pressure on broadcasting content, the
television industry also faces the threat of penalties mainly
regarding violation of business practices. For instance companies
could face up to five years imprisonment and fines of up to Rp 10
billion, if for instance one is found violating the ban on cross
ownership in radio and/or print media.

"The guidelines on broadcasting ethics contain guidelines on
ethics of content ... while the guidelines on business behavior
are about ethical standards of interaction with stakeholders such
as suppliers, advertisers, employees, the state, competitors and
also ethics regarding intellectual copyright," Karni said.

He added "it will be the public who judges whether the ATVSI
members are fulfilling their commitment in applying these
guidelines."

The television industry itself would benefit from the
guidelines, he said, as everyone in the industry "could avoid the
moral ambiguity that is corroding the industry."

The guidelines also serve "to balance the interests of
business and social responsibility, which in turn becomes a tool
of self regulation."

The television industry has come under fire for what many say
have been shows with vulgar content, including wanton violence
against women, and over exposure of celebrities' lives. However,
many viewers also say they relish such programs, which is evident
in the high ratings, and expensive ad revenue, that such programs
have.

Karni added that public feedback would be used to improve the
ethical guidelines.