TVRI Boss Forces Staff to Air Democrat Convention
Translator
Editor
Selasa, 17 September 2013 11:18 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Director of state-owned (TVRI) Farhat Shukri is said to have forced the station's editorial staff to broadcast the Democrat Party Convention. The convention, aimed at recruiting the party's presidential candidate for the 2014 election--was held at the Grand Sahid Hotel, Jakarta, Sunday evening, September 15. TVRI broadcasted the taped event from beginning to end, starting at 22:30 pm until 00:30 am Jakarta time.
According to a Tempo source in TVRI, Farhat initially forced editors to broadcast the convention live beginning at 19.30 pm. The editorial staff rejected the idea, including TVRI's program and news director Irwan Hendarmin.
Most of the staff did not want to violate the campaign rules and refused to make improper use of public frequency. But Farhat was insistent. "That was a tense night," the source said on Monday, September 16.
Because the crew refused to be coerced, Farhat then took over editorial control. Finally, the source said, the both Farhat and the crew compromised and agreed on a delayed broadcast. The editorial crew could do nothing because "it was a direct intervention from the CEO," he said.
As of the time of press, both Farhat and Irwan were unavailable for comment. Both men's phones were unable to be reached.
NURHASIM