TV stations make life easier

I've noticed recently how much TV programs continuously change (if one is to go by the listing in The Jakarta Post). How many times I've looked forward to seeing a certain movie, only to find for example a special concert with Westlife or Cher or soccer in its replacement.

At these times, I don't remember having seen a formal notification on the stations' part (as a courtesy), clarifying a change in programs. I'm sure this would be extremely appreciated by the viewers and somewhat more professional by the TV station personnel also.

TV is a form of R&R for millions of viewers and nothing would be more frustrating than to decide to spend a night home watching a certain program and having to find it changed. I noticed one time a small text running across the bottom of the TV notifying viewers that a program was not running. At least viewers were given a forewarning.

My other comment, with which I'm sure many would agree, is that it would be nice if more detailed information was given outlining the programs. How many times I have been disappointed only to find the film to be Mandarin. Usually movies are noted as Indonesian or just, movie. From that, one would assume it was an American movie. Could the stations be a little more specific, whether it be Mandarin, kung fu, American, series, sinetron or documentary and the like.

It can be awfully frustrating, a bit like playing Russian roulette ... (We'll see what eventuates) is not my idea of R&R. Even if a station is unsure of the movie when giving the media its program, surely it could make a decision on specifics applied? Like an American thriller or diving documentary, etc.

Soccer, Baywatch, Rosalinda and some of the news programs get plugged awfully well. One would only wish that other programs would share the highlights of acknowledgement. However, I realize advertising has much to do with it.

Singapore really impressed me with its variety and range of programs, that on one occasion I almost never left my hotel room, hypnotized by its versatility. And the information supplied on its daily viewing.

At the moment TV seems to be inundated with political news, overloaded with Indonesian soapies, Mandarin and Hong Kong action movies. It would be nice if the stations could be more creative by showing more documentaries, court cases, romance and comedies.

Also, Indonesia is such a creative and artistic place, so why don't the stations show the art of this country, by documenting different art areas. It is one of the topics that gives Indonesia substance and gives positiveness and hope, instead of all the problems that help to run this country down.

C. PARRY

Jakarta