'TVRI' still dependent on state funds

'TVRI' still dependent on state funds

JAKARTA: The government's policy to transform state television
station TVRI into an independent private broadcasting company,
which took effect on April 17, is yet to be a reality as it still
requires financial assistance from the government during its
ongoing transitional period into a fully private company.

TVRI finance director Badaruddin said on Wednesday that as
long as the station was unable to earn a profit, government funds
were still needed.

He admitted that for its operational expenditures in 2002, the
station had received Rp 157 billion in state funds.

The changing of TVRI's status last month was made because the
state company was on the brink of collapse, said TVRI chief
executive officer Sumita Tobing.

The company, which has 400 transmitters throughout the
country, has an estimated 7,000 employees. - JP