They are crying for dishes
Lebanon, Essay, 9/1/1997

As a result of recent orders that stopped many Lebanese television channels and radio stations from broadcasting, the Lebanese people have a feeling of suffocation, and they can't do anything but criticize these measures that the government is taking without any significant reason.

There are only four channels left on the television, and the entertainment they provide is not enough to fit all people's tastes. The same kinds of programs are broadcast at the same moment, and every time one shifts to another channel to avoid the advertisement one hates, it is almost certain that the same advertisement will be on the other channel, maybe with a two-second interval between them. The consequence is a metamorphosis of Lebanese cities as well as villages. In fact, the first things that catch one's attention are the numerous satellite dishes put by inhabitants on the balconies and the roofs of buildings, in order to pick up foreign channels.

This spectacle is not a problem if it replaces the dull programs with enriching and informative ones, but not everyone can afford the installation, and it is not fair to deprive them of the few local programs they are used to, and oblige them to watch a very limited number of channels.

Previous Stories:
  Radio stations receive second shutdown warning   (8/15/1997)
  Force will be used to shut down Islamic TV and other radio stations   (8/13/1997)
  Lebanese broadcasters pull plug   (7/25/1997)

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