The Menace of TV Debates

This article received third place in ‘Inklings -- the feature writing competition’, sponsored by The Citizen at Kamla Nehru College’s annual journalism fest, Journo Junction. The topic for the competition was: ‘New Age Media: Diaspora of Fake News and Spreading Dissent.’ The writer, Shweta Notaney from IP College for Women, won third place for this essay. The winners were chosen by the students organising the fest.

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Hey There! Are you a victim of the TV debate Phobia?
Are you too blinded by the flashy graphics used in TV Debates?
Has your hearing ability been affected after watching the Prime TV Debates?

Welcome! My dear friend you are a part of modern times, where Indian media finds solace in giving a headache to its audiences.

At the stroke of “9:00” our nation braces itself to hear these 5 magical words ‘The Nation Wants To Know’. However, the irony is that at the end of the debates, the nation doesn’t really know anything.

I wonder whether Indian Media has taken inspiration from Indian TV Serials. They both at times serve nonsense to its audiences on a platter that is spiced up with “mirch masala”

Proliferating in each and every news channels the true essence of a TV debate is when a TV screen is divided into 8-12 boxes where everyone is shouting on the top of his/her voice. In such a scenario, a viewer is reduced to being a couch potato, where the only thing he/she is left with is ‘Noise Pollution’. ‘Noise Pollution’ and ‘Noise Pollution’.

Arnab Goswami rose to fame with these TV debates. However when other news anchors tried to ape his style and follow the present formula, it was a disaster.

TV debates has now become a ‘buzzword’ for increasing TRPs of a news channel. However, the very foundation of journalism is based on the fact that it has to be fair, accurate and unbiased. Sadly during TV debates as anchor’s job is to lead the discussion, he/she shouts on the top of his/her voice and becoming biased.

Another menace, the use of graphics, with flaws and cringe worthy sound effects. TV debates are reduced to being a cheap source of entertainment. Open mouthed in awe the audience goes “oo la la!” and is left with no definite conclusion.

Serious journalism is the need of the hour where journalists come out of their business model and swer to provide quality content to its audiences.

(Shweta Notaney is completing her BMMMC at IP College For Women)