DailyPost 81
LET’S TALK
Talk Shows , I presume got into vogue and gained very high level of popularity based on at least some depth of knowledge of the personalities who were called upon to enlighten both the masses and government. The personalities/experts were to represent all the strands of thought/dimensions of the problem/issue and the all knowing presenter would make a sense of it all for the benefit of the audience.
Earlier mass communication professionals made a living out of expertise they gathered with great difficulty, through sheer hard work and undivided focus. Today technology, gloss and the format can do that job. The result we are experiencing day in and day out to our utmost peril.
Democracy is all about choices . With channels mushrooming even in scorching heat the choices are still non – existent. The presenters and the speakers are known. The style of the dialogue delivery and the stand one would take on an issue is also very well known. With presenters aggressive and uncouth efforts to force the speakers to toe to his line of thought and audio controls under his command, he or she is the reigning deity of the mass media.
Pronouncements of the presenters gives audience the feeling that they would start working with Sisters of Charity even before the show closes. All your hopes would be belied for sure and they would be back there once again the next day with the same classes on Art of Good Living. The business has to run and the TRP is the only number which a TV channel needs to understand.
The most commendable achievement of Indian television has been the successful forceful transformation of news into pure entertainment.
HEALTHY, WELL INFORMED, WELL MEANING DEBATES ARE THE MAINSTAY OF MODERN DEMOCRACIES.
Sanjay Sahay