2016年8月25日星期四

Are TV News channels reflecting the real image of India?

Inquisitive nature of humans forces them to learn and exchange their thoughts with others. Thus in this modern era with the technology advancements, this generation awaits for the fastest way to grasp information around the world. So a business segment was emerged and popularly known as “News Channels” whose task is to cover current events in and around the world.

India, country of billion populations has freedom of speech. As soon as an educated Indian gets up in the morning, first thing he/she reads newspaper or follows TV news channels to keep oneself updated before leaving for work. Thus News channels form an integral part in shaping the countrymen’s mind.  Let’s try to understand how TV News channels are in India.

Top 100 breakfast news headlines
Out of 100 news headlines, only a few will be deal with utmost important topics such politics, sports, business and the world while the rest will be about murders, stealing and killing. At the beginning of the day, News channels will focus on videos and pictures of the unimaginable terror stories. This spoils the mood early in the morning. I understand that killing headlines are important but repetitive telecast of the same incident brings fear and panic in the minds of the local public. Such news makes them think- “Where India is heading in future”.

Funny Incidents coverage

Many a times, the TV channels represent some silly topics for higher TRP’s. If a Minister is slapped by a public then it will be first disclosed as Exclusive news or Breaking news. Then Slap scene will be shown in slow motion where one slap will be showed as 10 slaps on the face by repeating it several times.  A complete 360 degrees of the surrounding exposure will be shown. A group discussion might start as “why that person slapped a minister? Similar situation happens if somebody throws shoes on a Minister or tie shoes of a minister or why police wore goggles while receiving VIPs? These topics are of less important to the public. These are just gossip topics to keep the viewers’ engaged.




Group Discussions:
Experienced panels on various topics are invited on to the News Channels to discuss on major issues related to public such as tax policy, women empowerment, sports, law amendment or any other events. These discussions bring up new thoughts, solutions and conclusions. But in India, this really happens but many a time, we also get to see the reverse. The host will not only act as a mediator but most of the time, he/she will continue speak without giving chance to the experienced panel. This is the selling agenda of some TV channel. Let me tell you, a lot of public enjoys that as well. So TV channel takes the benefit of it but the real cause suffers.

Sport News
Recently the whole world was focusing on the Olympics but Indian channels were focusing on Shobhaa De’s twitter comment. Shobhaa tweeted as : “Goal of Team India at the Olympics: Rio jao [Go to Rio]. Selfies lo [Take selfies]. Khaali haat wapas aao [Return empty-handed]. What a waste of money and opportunity.  In twitter, followers and viewers exist to share their opinion but make it headline is really a stupid idea. Similarly dating of a cricketer and film star will be in the frontline. I understand people love creating buzz but too much is not tolerated. News Channels should focus on improving the mentality of public too instead of making this type of news as headlines.

In Olympics, India got only 2 medals. Journalists instead of focusing on Shobha De, probably would have focused on the facilities and training given to the Indian athletes. After winning a medal, News Channels start showing their house, their struggle, what they eat and how they live, basically a dedicated full a half hour show. If a match is lost, complete negative information will be broadcasted. 

Rapes and Murder News
Earlier rapes incidents were not covered much by the News channels. Over the period of last 5 years, incidents are covered and reported rigorously. However I have personally seen many Indian girls stayed in hostels and paying guest to study and work. It’s not that worst condition in India, the way News channel portrays. I don’t know  if the incidents have increased or rapes coverage is more these days.

Sometimes journalists ask really strange questions to the family members like “How did it happen?” “What were you doing” and ask them to share their experiences especially when family is going through a tough time. Many a times, it takes a political turn as well. Politician reaches to the victim place to gain space in the News channel and I am unsure if politicians really care about the event.

News Channel should concentrate on how to bring change in the society. They are the powerful tool which can be used to bring upliftment of the society. 

Masala News
Indian curry is famous all over world so as Indian masala news. These news are quite interesting to watch and relaxing. These relates to incidents like someone kissed weirdly or some film stars was seen in airport and what they wore , who designed it, how it looked, who else was accompany the film star with photos from all possible angles. Film star marriage or any politician function will be a show for half an hour in News channel.  If any film star has gain or lose weight will be the news topic. Twitter or facebook posts will be discussed. Topic such as How Music Loving Ape released its first music video, dolphin snatches ipad, wines exclusively created for Dogs, Monkey got another chance for clicking selfie, politician didn’t respond to a journalist, some film star praised or blamed other film-stars or politicians.  These all becomes headlines. I don’t know if these are supposed to be called as News or just time Pass information.



Progress vs Reality News
Most of the Indian are working hard in and outside India to build a dynamic and influential country. In India, everyday something new is discovered or invented. However the coverage for these events is really low.  A country of talented people is infected to show absurd news instead on focusing on the real progress. 

If one law is passed in parliament, critics’ views are shown more rather than the benefit of the law. How did other political parties reacted or passed comments are frequently broadcasted such as news on Dalit beating or cow slaughter. Frequently displays of this kind of sensitive news create panic in the society and leads to protest and then firing and killing. Instead the focus should be on how to change the mind set and bring positive change in the society. Sometimes it is difficult to believe the reality. If a portion of people are protesting, the photos or video shooting makes it looks like that there is huge gathering and people are protesting which may not be the case in reality.

As a country of youth, it’s time to think and believe and not just see and believe.  Let’s work hard to make India from developing to developed country. News channel should cooperate to showcase the best of India. Building a good image will be the path of our development. Jai Hind Jai Bharat. 

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