Is it just me or has news become like a soap opera. What happen to quality journalism. I have always been a big fan of Indian journalism, however recently I am disturbed every time I switch to a news channel. If you didn’t know better, you would think you are watching a saas bahu serial.

The purpose of news is to reports events as they happen in an unbiased fashion, allowing viewers to form their own opinions and judgements. But news today comes ‘ready to serve’, spoon fed to the public. One of the key factors that has fueled this trend is the advent of 24×7 news . Currently in India there are over 100 news channels (national and regional) all competing  for viewership (TRP ratings), which translates into more sponsorships and greater profits. Unfortunately,  there is only so much news to go around. To attract greater viewership news channels have to be different, and are shifting from the old-fashioned model of ‘reporting’ news to ‘creating’ news.

Once you give media the power to ‘CREATE’ news, you have created a incestuous relationship between media, politics, and corporate interest.  The result is what we are witnessing today. The Indian public has to ask itself : Do we really want this? Are the channels catering to market demands or are they creating a new product for the market? Do we need to become a victim of yet another form of consumerism? Individuals have to make a conscious decision to stop supporting news networks that sensationalize news. Do not let journalism become hostage to corporate and political agendas. IF YOU DON’T WATCH IT, THEY WON’T AIR IT!

If the current trend continues, we will soon find ourselves watching: Kahin Des Mein Ayahoga Bhookamp, Pavitra Politics, Kahin To Hogi – News, Is Election Ko Kya Naam Doon, Ads Se Bhare Naina, Parliment Gandha phool………..