Give quality TV shows a new lease on life

MONIQUE Wilson got a lot of attention recently when she urged local TV networks to come up with quality shows to make good use of television medium’s popularity, reach and ability to change its millions of viewers for the better.

Her appeal was a bracing bolt out of the blue, because many have stopped hoping for something better. After all, “least common denominator” programming makes money, and the profit motive rules on the boob tube, so why bother to hope for better shows at all?

But Monique reminds us that TV isn’t just a moneymaking machine. Because it uses the airwaves, TV stations have to secure a license to operate and pledge to serve viewers in a responsible and non-exploitative manner.

That the pledge is observed more in the breach than in the compliance is not a reason for it to continue to be flouted. Viewers are perfectly within their rights to ask, even demand, that good programs be produced.

Having said that, we must point out that, for better shows to be produced, Viewer Power, as exemplified by Monique’s articulate and vigorous appeal, should continue to be exercised – not just by a committed few, but by many viewers.

So, we hope other viewers feel that this campaign is important enough for them to personally get involved in it. In numbers, indeed, is strength enough to persuade or force even the most insensitive and exploitative TV network to do what it’s supposed to.

Aside from Viewer Power, it would also help a lot if industry groups like the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas cared more for the welfare of the country’s millions of televiewers than for its member stations.

In addition, concerned Filipino viewers like Monique should put up a national TV Advocacy Group to uphold the rights of viewers. It’s a key need that has yet to be met –which just goes to show the lack of importance with which TV is regarded in this country.

In the US, some years back, the TV advocacy group was led by no less than Tipper Gore, the wife of then VP Al Gore!

Revive excellent shows

What else can be done? For starters, and to prove a significant point, let’s campaign together to bring back excellent shows that went off the air due to lack of advertising and viewer support.

One such show, “Ryan, Ryan, Musikahan,” raised the level of Filipino musicality and appreciation in a big way when it was on the air. Why not urge and convince a major channel and some big advertisers to bring it back?

Ryan Cayabyab is still very much around, and so is the director Leo Rialp – all they need is a good channel and strong advertising support to make the show “happen” again for a whole new generation of young Filipino viewers.

This is the right time to do it, because advertisers have recently realized that their support or nonsupport of certain shows is power, and it should be used to improve and enlighten the entertainment scene on one hand, and deprive “negative” shows of financial support on the other.

How do we go against the tide and come up with quality TV shows? Start with one program – “Ryan, Ryan, Musikahan” with the combined support of enlightened TV people, enthusiastic viewers and advertisers, that excellent show can be given a new lease on life.

And, once it’s back on the air, our combined power to boost quality on local TV shall have been resoundingly proven, and it would be that much easier to support other good shows, for everyone’s benefit.