Dear Editor, I REFER to recent letters ex pressing concern over the state of the local TV and music industry.

What do they mean when they imply that Indonesian dramas are dominating local TV broadcasts? As appealing as they may be, when foreign content is aired for too long, local audiences will feel alienated.

In recent years, there has been ample local content provided by TV stations, especially on TV3, ntv7 and TV9. If you want to support local dramas, make sure you tune into these channels. We have regulations which ensure that there is enough local content on air.

I’m aware that RTM2 may have irked some parties by airing Indonesian serials at the prime time slot, more so when RTM has been known to impose strict conditions on local shows, such as an ob ligation to have a multiracial cast and applying the proper use of Bahasa Malaysia.

As for the music scene, improving the quality of music is one thing, but being bankable is an other.

This may explain why Malaysian record companies are more willing to invest in pop idols with good looks and the so-called ‘X-factor’, rather than a singer-songwriter who makes non-mainstream mu sic.

Local acts should do their part by promoting and selling their music via the Internet. Fans should also help spread the word about their favourite local bands in a quest to shed more light on local talent.

Lay observer

Source: Malay Mail – January 30, 2008