IN all the wide world of international and local entertainment – which can be fed to our homes by cable across the continent or satellites beaming down from the heavens, and then viewed on plasma, tube or mobile phone – for most people nothing beats the simple pleasure of slumping down before the telly of an evening and arguing with loved ones about what to watch.
Myanmar TV offers three government broadcast and two satellite channels – enough to provoke intergenerational or sibling tussles over the remote in most families, or even to justify the acquisition of a second TV set.
Myanmar Radio and Television, MRTV-3, MRTV-4 (24-hour service) and Myawaddy Television offer news, education, health, sports, entertainment and movies to seize viewers’ interest.
“Everyone should relax with proper recreation to refresh their weary minds,” says Daw Khin Nwe Yi, a teacher from BEHS (2) Sanchaung.
She said she always spends her evenings with her family watching television programs without needing to ponder too deeply on the questions of daily life. Her favourite: cooking programs.
Others are hungry for local and international news, never missing a bulletin if they can help it. U Aung Tun Win, a photojournalist said: “News is a must-see program because we need to know the announcements and activities of the government.”
Since Cyclone Nargis, weather forecasts have acquired fresh, if slightly apprehensive, interest.
For young and old alike, there is Thua Sonelin Shwe Nyann Shin, Htet Myat Pyew Shwin Eitaung Shin and Puzzle Palace, where competing teams match their wits over intellectual, informational and educational questions.
Let’s not forget comedy. Lu Shwintaw Shwe Phala and Tamyatnar Tagyutsar make people laugh out loud with their jollity and wit.
Ko Nay Zaw Win said he loves to watch Lu Shwintaw Shwe Phala, which pits teams in a contest of wit and wisdom once a week, because it helps him laugh and eases the weariness of his daily struggles.
“We need to develop our intellectual quotient as well as our emotional quotient because we are flesh and blood and we need to laugh and smile. We are not robots,” he said cryptically.
Dhamma Dasane is a program many feel they can’t miss. People of all ages heed the sermons of Buddha in re-narrated doctrines and Buddha’s birth stories, as rendered by monks.
Audiences also love to view our national festivals throughout the year. If you can’t attend in person, watching on TV is the next best thing.
“We [Myanmar] are not couch potatoes, but we love to enjoy the beautiful tapestry of Myanmar life, its traditions and cuisines, its different races, cultures and customs. We’re also very curious about neighbouring countries – it’s like being able to see the world from your own home,” one regular TV viewer commented. Another big favourite is the occasional Health is Wealth series, which provides tips on healthy living.
Viewer favourites Yata Sonelin Ta Yokesaung Lwin Pywin, So Light Kyaso, Melody World and Ahla Sharmae Hla Kaba Wae encourage interest in music, movies and videos. And finally, there are the Korean movie series, closely watched for both their presentation and performance.
