Whether you're a couch potato or not, if there were only six
channels on TV, would you be fed up with the lack of choice?
Residents in some cities in China may soon face this problem, as
they'll no longer be able to access most analog TV channels if they
don't purchase digital TV services.
Though the State Administration of Radio Film and Television
requires local TV stations to provide at least six analog signal
channels to ordinary viewers, debates are still hot about this
issue. Wang Jing offers us closer look today.
Shanghai Securities News says the requirement from the
administration is still not enough to protect the interests of
families who don't purchase digital TV service. At present,
residents in most Chinese cities can watch more than 60 channels.
If they don't pay for digital service, they will be deprived of
access to most standard analog TV channels. Since some TV channels
depend on income from taxpayers, it's unfair to deprive viewers
their right of watching programs on these channels.
In addition, the example is given of the United States, where
digital TV services were launched and spread step by step. It's
impossible for local Chinese TV stations to expect an instant
change in customer consumption habits.
As to why digital TV services have received lukewarm response in
most Chinese cities, the opinion from Shanghai Securities News
blames high fees that daunt some potential customers.
An opinion from Xinhuanet says if digital TV services become
compulsory, it will add burdens to many Chinese families. At
present, it's actually administrative forces that are enforcing the
business on viewers. The opinion says the public's rights and
freedom of choice should be duly respected, instead of simply
eyeing the development of the local economy and governmental
achievements.
A commentary from Yanzhao Metropolis Daily argues
public rights are still not well protected, even if they can access
six analog channels when they don't subscribe to digital TV
services. It further asserts there are some preliminary
requirements for promoting digital TV business on a large scale.
First, the services must be purchased by choice by viewers, not
forced upon them. No administrative measures should be added to
business dealings.
Currently, available digital channels fail to provide qualified
content at a fair cost. There's a need to further improve digital
TV services and technology. Still, most working class families
won't pay extra money for this new service, as the previous analog
TV programs already met their demands. Digital TV is greatly
challenged by the rapid development of the Internet, which is both
convenient and cheap.
(CRI.cn February 8, 2007)
