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Metro TV welcomes plan to ban cigarette ads
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Muhammadiyah deputy chairman Sudibyo Markus (from left to right), Human Rights Working Group executive director Rafendi Djamin, Indonesia Institute for Social Development program manager Deni Wahyudi Kurniawan , Civil National Coalition on Tobacco Control chairman Ifdhal Kasim and Raya Indonesia director Hery Chariansyah express their concerns on the cigarette industry in a discussion in Jakarta on Dec. 29, 2015. (JP/Callistasia Anggun Wijaya)
M
etro TV news director Suryapratomo said Friday that the private TV station welcomed lawmakers’ plan to ban cigarette advertisements on television and radio, saying that a ban would not significantly affect its revenue.
“Lawmakers have the right to make any regulation. But I hope the House of Representatives carries out comprehensive discussion before making a final decision,” Suryapratomo told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
(Read also: Cigarette ad ban aims to protect children, lawmaker says)
He added that a ban would have minimal impact on Metro TV, as cigarette ads contributed only a small portion to the company’s revenues.
“So please do ban [cigarette ads on TV] if you want. Metro TV does not make much from cigarette ads. We also don’t air cigarette ads frequently on our TV station,” Suryapratomo emphasized.
TV stations are currently allowed to air cigarette ads only after 10 p.m. However, the government may issue a total ban on cigarette ads on TV and radio, with a draft bill comprising stipulations of a ban awaiting deliberation at the House.
The House is expected to start deliberations this month and has assured that it will include various stakeholders in the discussion to gain comprehensive insight.
