The media can contribute positive values to human life development, but the media can also bring negative elements. International best practices for its part, give serious attention to the need for media control, in view of the fact that the media can influence one's mindset and behaviour directly or indirectly. This matter was highlighted by the Minister of Communications at the ministry's dialogue continuity session on the usage policy of the Television Receive Only, TVRO System, or parabola. This morning's session was for Pengulus and Ketua Kampungs from the Belait and Tutong Districts.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah also said that based on the information obtained by AITI, through AITI Brunei Darussalam's ICT Survey, 99.6 percent households in the country own television sets. For the 'Free-to-air" service, RTB and Pay-TV networks, as well as Kristal Astro in Brunei Darussalam, the broadcasting practice procedure has been provided and used to ensure that the programmes broadcast are suitable for viewing. However, Yang Berhormat Pehin added, programmes received through the TVRO equipment are beyond the control of the Ministry of Communications as the authority of Brunei Darussalam's broadcasting affairs. The TVRO System can receive any television programmes from international transmitters that have satellite footprint coverage including Brunei Darussalam. This means that the programmes telecast in TVRO cannot be controlled or modified to the classification of viewers in the country. The sources or origin of the programmes are also not known and the contents cannot be controlled. At the same time, programmes broadcast via TVRO cannot contribute to the development of the local broadcasting industry; instead it can become a direct competitor to the local broadcaster. Why the TVRO Service was introduced in the beginning, was to provide an alternative service to the existing media services. At that time, there were two television programmes channels. With the Pay-TV service along with the TVRO issues raised, Yang Berhormat Pehin said it is necessary to update the broadcasting policy in the country to suit current needs.
The Assistant Chief Executive Officer of AiTi, Awang Haji Hairul, then delivered a briefing on the proposed policy of TVRO in the country. The dialogue aimed to involve the public through consultations in formulating the proposed policy for TVRO usage in the country before it is adopted and implemented. The dialogue session took place at the Kuala Belait Convention Hall.
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