Television

It is holiday time again and time for the family to fight over the TV remote (or so we thought!). Surprisingly all we did was browse channels and switch off the TV in 10 minutes. Old wine in older bottle. Never ending serials, reruns of films, interviews of actors for 100th time, repeated songs which have a festive touch, boring realty shows, etc. Is creativity of Indian television dead?

When Doordarshan was the only channel available and there was no 24/7 concept, there were quality programs. On festival days we had programs telling us the importance of the festivals and films were shown once-in-a-week. Realty TV was unheard of and celebrities were not falling over each other to be interviewed. There was exclusivity of each program and everyone looked forward to the program time.

With almost once channel being launched each month and one DTH operator entering the fray within 6 months, people are spoilt for choice and hence the problem. TRPs would fall and why not. Too many programs vying for the same eyeballs (so is the case with political parties in AP – too many parties for the same voter base).

‘Entertainment’ has a new definition on TV and most of the programs, I think, we can do without. But to my amazement, people are enjoying them. Looking at the number of people opting for the basic packages on DTH, looks like the days of educative channels like National Geography and Discovery are over.

I find solace in kids’ channels. There is novelty. If not anything else, one can always enjoy reruns of age old favorites like Tom & Jerry.