ORANJESTAD – De introductie van een pay-per-view-model door SMAC voor carnavalsevenementen heeft tot felle discussies geleid, zowel op sociale media als binnen de gemeenschap. De controverse ontstond nadat een Facebook-gebruiker een illegale livestream van een carnavalsevenement uitzond via zijn telefoon, wat een stortvloed aan reacties teweegbracht. Veel mensen bekritiseerden het model, omdat het toegang tot traditionele evenementen zoals de verkiezing van de carnavalskoningin zou beperken.
Comments during the Livestream
During the livestream, Minister of Culture responded, Xiomara Maduro, in a Facebook comment. She stressed that carnival is organized by SMAC, a government-licensed organization, and expressed concerns about this new approach. Maduro stated:
“In het verleden werden de verkiezingen altijd uitgezonden. Dit jaar heeft SMAC besloten om met dit model te komen. Ik vind dat SMAC, SETAR en Telearuba uitleg moeten geven over hoe deze samenwerking onze cultuur ten goede komt, aangezien deze aanpak velen buitensluit.”
Maduro further indicated that she has raised the issue with the Board of Trustees representing the Minister of Culture. According to her, this change not only damages the tradition of carnival, but also excludes vulnerable groups in society, such as those with low income or health problems.
General Opinion in the Community
There is a broad feeling in the community that TeleAruba, as Aruba's national television station, has the responsibility to broadcast events of national cultural interest without restriction. Many people argue that while a pay-per-view model may be appropriate for international concerts or other commercial events, its use for national cultural events, such as Carnival, is unjust.
In addition, this decision raises questions about the future: will TeleAruba put other national cultural events behind a pay wall? These concerns have led to a broader debate about the balance between commercial interests and the accessibility of culture.
Response from SMAC President Darren van Ommeren
In an exclusive interview with Amigoe Aruba gave Darren van Ommeren, president of SMAC, explained the decision. He clarified that the partnership with Telearuba is specifically for the production of all carnival events, with the exception of the parades. The parades are outside the pay-per-view model and will be broadcast in a different way.
Van Ommeren explained that SETAR, although owner of Telearuba, has no direct involvement in the deal. He emphasized that SETAR as sponsor covers about 50% of the cost of the events. To cover Telearuba's production costs, a minimum of 850 pay-per-view passes must be sold. Any profits will be split between SMAC and Telearuba.
“Deze aanpak helpt niet alleen om de productiekosten te dekken, maar ondersteunt ook Telearuba financieel,” Van Ommeren said.
The Balance Between Culture and Commerce
The situation has attracted much attention and raised questions about the accessibility of national traditions. While some parties see the model as a necessary solution to cover costs, others feel excluded from an important cultural heritage. It remains to be seen how SMAC, TeleAruba and other concerned parties will respond to the criticism from the community.
