There seems to be a tug of War between News channels in delivering content that rarely meets the expectation of growing middle class families, who are hungry of quality information in the form of analysis and results . The reasons could be that today's news channels harp on the same story lines because of either the lack of news or poorly organized journalism teams. I am using "Poorly organized", because most often the two prime English News Channels NDTV and off late CNN-IBN, have used their regular mascots Barkha Dutt and Rajdeep Sardesai, both of whom happen to be products of New Delhi Television (NDTV) . now , they are there with every major event, that impacts news reporting, be it Mumbai attacks, U.S election or local elections with in india, what an Irony even after 12 to 10 years you are made to witness the same anchors or rather journalists interpreting the news as they see and you are gluded to the idiot box to understand their polished language that always combines rehtoric and emotion before their studio audience,which often consists of "intellectuals " of Delhi and couple of Bollywood and cricket stars ( two pillars of Indian mediocrity in sports and Cinema ) to carry a point that , they care both tragic and triumphant events that as their indian brethern do . needless to say , that do not have teams that exclusively report on political, economical and social news that impacts this nation . for every major event be it social or political , there is a barkha dutt or Rajdeep sardesai and not the "young" bollywood and cricket loving journalists , who are conscious of their absence in such " tragic " and sober events. they resurface once again with news that relates with Crime, Corruption , Cricket and Bollywood.
the condition of Hindi news channels is a story of pathetic saga of commentary , that never ceases to end , one wonders , Is there any meaning to the world of reporting and analysis. the popular Hindi news channels like Aaj Tak (sab se tez ) meaning "very fast " as it claims it self to be ! is filled with Brahminical rehtoric , which clearly reflected during OBC quota reservations bill , that was tabelled a year ago in the parliement. needless to say its cousins like India TV and star News are not far behind. have a look at their news program titles , one program says "Sansani " literal meaning being "sensation ", that shows crime related stories , Bhagwan Bhole Baba ki Mahima , a program , which telecasted to showcase the greatness of God Shiva and the never ending programs on Babas or so called astrologers , who speak on the future . haven't they predicted about Mumbai attacks ?.
But , off late to our self satisfaction we are left with some good news still left with some channels and print media , that might certainly make our day look good. thanks to a variety of choices we have there is a print and web media. that often writes and comments effectively on important events as they occur.
the point is :- if News channels can strategise on subject specific content, by employing people with an oreintation towards their interests , then results with effective, clear news and information will definitly reach the masses and particularly the growing midlle class in india. and it may happen that , such reporting will not go un noticed by policy makers and that would definiltly make them accountable on their future actions. lets hope good sense may prevail in days to come.
