Feature Articles: ISSUES : PROS AND CONS OF TELEVISION

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Pros and cons of television

Television (TV) is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome (black-and-white) or coloured with or without accompanying sound. "Television" may also refer specifically to a television set, television programme, or television transmission. Television is one of the latest wonders of science. By the radio we can only hear the voice but the television we can also see the face of the speaker. We have only to switch on the television and at once we can both see and hear a popular leader speaking or a drama being staged or a cinema film being exhibited at the television station or a match being played in any country of the world. In short, in recent times television has become one of the most important means of recreation, propaganda and national integration.
     The advantages of television are so many that every possible effort should be made to provide the country with a nation-wide service at the earliest. Television is an important means of recreation and entertainment. It is the most suitable medium for mass communication and education. It can be used by the government to give wide publicity to its views, and to the development work done by it. In this way, it can be used as a powerful means of propaganda and the formation of public opinion. It can serve as a handmaid to planning. Indeed, by some expert television is considered essential for the success of planning.
     Further, it can perform the vital task of mass education. It can help in increasing production, in imparting family planning education and in spreading mass literacy. Talks delivered by eminent persons and carried the masses through television. It can do much to eradicate various social evils television sets installed in school can supplement the education imparted through class lectures. What is seen leaves a more permanent impression on the mind than what is heard or read, and this makes obvious the educational value of television.
     The government is fully alive to all these advantages of television programmed have been broadcast through satellites so that they could be viewed all over the country. The Asia games gave a great boost of television and since then a national programmed has become a regular feature and many more states have been brought within the television network.
     A college students, Zulaikha Roslan, 19 years old said it is a tool for imparting knowledge. For example, RTM provides many programs like information on agriculture, as well as TV3 through MedikTV that delivers the knowledge of the medical world. Shows like this are very useful to our society and increase our knowledge about a matter but it also have a cons such as waste of time. This time wastage occurs when too much time is spent in front of the TV with just watching entertainment programs until they forget the studies.
     However, it should be kept in mind that color television puts more strain on the eyes. It is a health hazard. It must not be viewed for a long time. Moreover, color television is very sensitive and the picture gets blurred if there is even slight defect in the antenna angle or in its cord. Even slight disturbances near the television set they may be on the road near the house find their echo on the screen of a color television. A housewife, Rabiah Baba, 36 years old, thinks that television is good for the development of her kids mind because of the attractive colors on the television screen. It shows that every people have their own opinion and suggestion.
     Television is not a mere medium of entertainment it has far reaching educational and cultural significance. It is an importance means of national unity and integration. Television serial can be used to fight the menace of communalism, regionalism and terrorism. Special programmed with this end in view should be regularly televised. Similarly between people living in different parts of the country should be stressed. It should be made available not only in the cities, but in villages as well, and at cheap rates. Top priority must be given to it. Let us hope in the near future. Television sets would be within the reach of the common man.
     A government official, Hashim Hamdan, 44 years old thinks that it is a tool to bring awareness to the community and also serve the requirements of the people to the government. This is a social responsibility that is done by electronic media to society. For example Bersamamu by TV3 program, through this program we can help those in need. Similarly, problems on that happens to people in some places, when the problem is addressed, the authorities must take appropriate action.
     We must be clever in selecting the programs to be watched. Think of the advantages and disadvantages as well as the effects. Impact not only in the short term but also in the long term.