Arnab Is Back !!!!!!!

Yesterday was not a special day in terms of either religious or political happenings. But one of the highly rated English news channel, TIMES NOW heaved a sigh of relief- its editor-in chief and host of the most popular show, Arnab Goswami, is back after a brief hiatus. It has now reclaimed its position back to the top after a sluggish TRP rating during the previous 10 days when its primetime new hour channel viewership was badly hit. This trend was experienced even by the channel’s ardent and faithful audience who by default turn it on to catch-up with the most controversial and happening events of our country. Cynosure of the all the news watchers, perhaps have given himself some break. The much needed break to comeback with full vigour to pose the most relevant and straight question to the highest dignitaries and acclaimed leaders as well. Perhaps, gearing up for the much watched, awaited and decisive assembly elections in four major states (Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh) and Mizoram. Channels and their top rated journalists, anchors and most importantly psephologists are gearing up for the forth coming political drama which is going to unfold before more than billion Indians.

The election time is back again and the schedule is going to be out in October. Media both the print and new channels started playing a crucial role in the pattern of voting.  Realising their growing influence and penetration most of the political parties have set up their own media houses. The digital age has given extra tooth to the media which is already at its zenith. The growing middle class, who have created their lives by the dint of hard work, are now becoming proactive. They no longer want to sit back. They are becoming restless at the lack of deliverance from the political class. It is this section of society, vexed with the political ire are becoming more media savvy.

Last week, I saw news clip about absence of this news hour host and how other channels are trying to lure the audience in his absence. Although I was a bit surprised initially to find a dedicated coverage for this issue and dismissed it as another trick to popularise the channel, today I could no longer ignore as a new flipkart ad was trying to sell itself using the brand image, style and diction of this anchor. I was surprised at this new way of advertising. Two decades, Pranay Roy unleashed the power of the media when he presented the election analysis round the clock. This was first of its kind by a private new channel. This new format was widely appreciated and earned him immense popularity. But in spite of hitting the popularity charts, he never became a mascot for any of the commercial products.  Bollywood actors or even small screen actors working as brand ambassadors by endorsing various products has become a common feature in India. Now what I am experiencing is a new phenomenon. This kind of ad campaigning by star actors is most common in businesses. Even the absence or presence of bollywood/ other regional cinema actors making headlines in page 3 is not new. Media tries to cash on this juicer stuff and gossip. News about brief absence of an anchor hitting headlines is something more intriguing.

Indians are known for their foolish adulation towards actors and actress. They in fact seem to adore anything and everything related to the cinema.  Thanks to the loyal movie fans the entertainment factory is able to thrive and make huge profits too. Even the rising inflation hasn’t damned the spirit of regular cinema goer. Not only in India, people all over patronise individuals with exceptional talent be it music, dance or acting in a very big way. Though writers, painters, sculptors receive great publicity, the culture of revering people talented in other fine arts is still in its infancy in India.

 I was really awestruck by the exceptional publicity received by the news hour host.  May be the interests of people, seem to have shifted. The new sect of the aspiring middleclass known for exceptional determination to better themselves might be the reason for this new drift. Undoubtedly there is higher viewership for the regular serials, reality shows and sops. Simultaneously there is a substantial increase in interest for news channels among a particular section of people who want to be cognizant of the current affairs. They are interested in the contentious issues plaguing the country and their larger implications on their lives too.  The ever expanding telecommunication networks is quenching the thirst of computer savvy and information hungry people who at the click of button are able to explore the world. People are now up-to-date about the latest news. The media channels in particular have mastered the art of presentation of facts and issues in an appealing way. The flourishing viewership reflected is in TRP ratings of various news channels speak of their popularity.

In any case, it is such a relief to find people talking about something other than movies.  A media man or a journalist making to popularity charts is a great accomplishment. Putting aside the positive and negative aspects of the individual, it is clear indication of a new change. When people with intellectual thoughts and perceptions are adored, society might see at least some change. Some of the debates might ignite a spark of change and spur public into action though not instantaneously.

The latest efforts made by the news channels and print media have to be appreciated. They are trying to give new definition to news and current affairs. Although this trendy way of news presentation is due to the intense competition between various channels, unknowingly they are doing a great service to public.  News doesn’t simply imply transferring some key facts and events but it is making people aware of its implications. News channels are now showing a greater interest in analysis. The debates about the raging issues are catching up with the young and old as well.  These channels are in a way providing a platform for voicing out common man’s apprehensions. Hence the much taunted grilling of the concerned officials or leaders is very much appreciated. Undoubtedly, the resplendent anchors of the news hour debates are thus able to win the confidence of audience.  Hence the reason for the new found love for this breed of media personnel. People no longer wish to have anchors that placate the guests, but are welcoming those who are bold and could force the guests/politicians to be remorseful about the distressing state of affairs. People are not expecting these hosts to do miracles but are happy to see the duty evaders in a tough spot.

Hope people become more sensible refraining from idol worship of the tinsel world divas who by the dint of ephemeral beauty and gravity defying tricks have casted a spell. It is a welcome sign indeed that they started worrying about real people, real world and true leaders who aspire to bring some change. Though the media and their personnel are not as pristine as holy waters, they are still better than the breed of actors who allure with joys of illusionary world. In any case people have to pay for both news and entertainment i.e., either to news channels or film production units. After all everything comes with a price be it news or entertainment (or even the noise ......lol).

 

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