Television has a tremendous attraction and impact on viewers. We have witnessed a stupendous spread and reach of this medium, in the past few years.
The beaming of the Gulf War by the CNN-Courtesy Star TV during the 1990s probably has proved a turning point. There was a proliferation of cable operators and news, views and entertainment channels overnight in the years ahead.
It is worthwhile to ponder: what the Indian viewer could watch. There is no clear- cut data available from authentic or reliable source, but if one goes from the sounds coming from the houses in the neighbour, it is films, film-based nuggets, which scores over others.
Next in popularity are the serials, sports, pop and rock, crime and espionage, travel and adventure and some consumer goods related skits.
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We have failed to use television for education for the children, as well as in financing the public television with proper infrastructure. Public interest television does not figure high on the priority list of the government. Good programme requires sound business management and a grasp of technology. Both require the adoption of correct policy measures in its entirety.
India’s policy makers believe the broadcasting sector has no teaching and preaching role. To a large extent, it is the government that is to be blamed. Indian television has been used for the benefit of the government and the ruling party. Propagandist, pedantic, conformists and dull news as well as insipid pictures have to be revamped, had India braces ahead over the challenge from the skies.