Mindless entertainment on television will finally yield to newsNalini Singh stands out among TV celebrities for her forthright and no-holds-barred news reporting. This bold and investigative TV journalist has anchored and produced over 3000 programmes for Doordarshan and other private TV networks and many of these programmes have been telecast on channels abroad in West Europe and USA. Her well researched, in depth and analytical programmes, on a variety of issues that have a bearing on our lives, have won her several prestigious awards.
The firebrand broadcast journalist has the distinction of producing India's first ever exit poll on television during the 11th Lok Sabha elections in 1996. Later, she went on to produce similar programmes on the 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha elections and 2000, 2001 and 2002 assembly elections. Her software production company - TV Live has produced trail blazing shows like Hello Zindagi and Ankhon Dekhi. In fact, her news show, 'Ankhon Dekhi' is in its record seventh year on Doordarshan. The private news channels are now following this concept of fast paced, condensed news capsule. Currently, Nalini Singh is in spotlight for her foray into the world of broadcasting with the launch of her 24-hour Nepalese news & Entertrainment channel - Nepal I.
In this interview with Vinod Behl of exchange4media, Nalini Singh talks about her transition from a TV producer to a broadcaster, the news channel boom and the future of TV news. Excerpts.
Q. On her transition from TV producer to a broadcaster… In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment
channels. Later on, I hit upon the idea of launching an Indian Nepalese channel. I found commercial scope in it and the presence of big Indian companies in Nepal prompted me to launch Nepal I.
Q. On the scope and relevance of news shows in the context of 24-hour TV news News shows have their own scope and relevance. Viewers, who have seen the news the whole day, want someone to present analysis of day's happenings. This is where shows like Aaj Ki Baat work. We also present a glimpse of tomorrow's happenings. The idea is to prepare the viewers about next day's happenings before he goes to bed so that he can keep an eye on his area of interest. One of our sections that have done well with viewers is the public interest segment towards the end of the show. In this segment, we try and tell people if they are doing something wrong. Our crew with a secret camera catches people urinating in public places, people traveling on bus / train roof tops, cops extorting money from poor rail passengers for letting them into unreserved compartments.
Q. On her transition from TV producer to a broadcaster… In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment channels. Later on, I hit upon the idea of launching an Indian Nepalese channel. I found commercial scope in it and the presence of big Indian companies in Nepal prompted me to launch Nepal I.
Q. On TV sports commentary It is means of entertaining people using sports as a medium. So when we are doing commentary on Sports, we are part of an entertainment process by which we are communicating the joy of the sports to the people who want to watch it. Really it is nothing more than that. This entertainment can be communicated in a number of ways. Either it can be having lots of fun that the audience shares in or using education as a means to entertainment. By telling people more about the game-they tend to watch more. But that's a minor aspect of commentary. I think at the end, one watches sports to see the drama of human achievements, and we are just the voice that adds to the drama - no more, no less. We cannot take ourselves more seriously than that. We are a visual presence, which adds on to the drama that is being enacted anyway. And that's all we do. If we do more, we will take away from original drama that is already happening and that is not our job.
Q. On the present-day TV news scenario TV news in this country is still emerging and taking its shape. What we see around us are the problems associated with the process of maturity. People who are running TV news do not have enough hands on experience. The number of trained broadcast journalists is much less than the requirement, particularly in view of the news channel boom. There is a group of 20 - 25 people who keep moving from one channel to another. So, all these news channels look alike. This is a problem associated with the system. And once we have enough number of experienced TV professionals, the situation will change. But I believe that in the absence of quality training institutes, the mess will continue for sometime.
Q. In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment It is a niche, glamorous and high quality Nepalese language entertainment and news channel. There is no other Indian channel in Nepalese. Its potential target viewership is 2-3 times the viewership of English Channels in India.
Q. On the news channels boom In a country of 100 crore, there is a room for all the news channels. Of course, this has led to intense competition. But then ultimately, the competition is to the advantage of the viewer. Having been held captive for over three decades by Doordarshan news, viewers now find a news buffet in front of them, with a wide choice.
Q. On the flaws of the news environment… I think the news environment does change and shift all the time but especially in democracies, you have moments when the news world is called upon to full fill its mandate. This sole mandate is the protection of institutions, protection of fundamental principles of democracy. I think, today after several years, the news world is again being called upon to fulfill its mandate.
Q. On the present-day TV news scenario TV news in this country is still emerging and taking its shape. What we see around us are the problems associated with the process of maturity. People who are running TV news do not have enough hands on experience. The number of trained broadcast journalists is much less than the requirement, particularly in view of the news channel boom. There is a group of 20 - 25 people who keep moving from one channel to another. So, all these news channels look alike. This is a problem associated with the system. And once we have enough number of experienced TV professionals, the situation will change. But I believe that in the absence of quality training institutes, the mess will continue for sometime.
Q. On the news channels boom In a country of 100 crore, there is a room for all the news channels. Of course, this has led to intense competition. But then ultimately, the competition is to the advantage of the viewer. Having been held captive for over three decades by Doordarshan news, viewers now find a news buffet in front of them, with a wide choice.
Q. On her transition from TV producer to a broadcaster… In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment channels. Later on, I hit upon the idea of launching an Indian Nepalese channel. I found commercial scope in it and the presence of big Indian companies in Nepal prompted me to launch Nepal I.
Q. On the flaws of the news environment… I think the news environment does change and shift all the time but especially in democracies, you have moments when the news world is called upon to full fill its mandate. This sole mandate is the protection of institutions, protection of fundamental principles of democracy. I think, today after several years, the news world is again being called upon to fulfill its mandate.
Q. On the time when news world is called upon… This happens when the quantum of misuse of power grows beyond the tolerance levels, something which has been seen as a progressive trend in the last 10-15 years. When the citizens are under greater threat and it is a periodic process; it happens in every democracy, like we are just starting to see it in the US.
Q. On different styles and genre of TV sports commentating Its different with each individuals and each represents a different style. At the end, the broadcast is about adding, informing and entertaining. But it does differ from one sport to the other. Cricket is much longer drawn game but in tennis you only speak in the pauses. In cricket, after the ball has been bowled and a shot has been played...there is a significant amount of pause. In Tennis, that pause is for a very short time. So the commentators role is much smaller in Tennis, but more critical also. Because in that little period he has got to make an impact. In Tennis 70% of the time the match is being played...in Cricket, its 40%-so the spoken words are more in Cricket commentary. Then in sports like Athletics, where one has to talk over the picture - the job becomes more entertaining. So it differs from sports to sports.
Q. On the scope and relevance of news shows in the context of 24-hour TV news News shows have their own scope and relevance. Viewers, who have seen the news the whole day, want someone to present analysis of day's happenings. This is where shows like Aaj Ki Baat work. We also present a glimpse of tomorrow's happenings. The idea is to prepare the viewers about next day's happenings before he goes to bed so that he can keep an eye on his area of interest. One of our sections that have done well with viewers is the public interest segment towards the end of the show. In this segment, we try and tell people if they are doing something wrong. Our crew with a secret camera catches people urinating in public places, people traveling on bus / train roof tops, cops extorting money from poor rail passengers for letting them into unreserved compartments.
Q. In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment It is a niche, glamorous and high quality Nepalese language entertainment and news channel. There is no other Indian channel in Nepalese. Its potential target viewership is 2-3 times the viewership of English Channels in India.
Q. On different styles and genre of TV sports commentating Its different with each individuals and each represents a different style. At the end, the broadcast is about adding, informing and entertaining. But it does differ from one sport to the other. Cricket is much longer drawn game but in tennis you only speak in the pauses. In cricket, after the ball has been bowled and a shot has been played...there is a significant amount of pause. In Tennis, that pause is for a very short time. So the commentators role is much smaller in Tennis, but more critical also. Because in that little period he has got to make an impact. In Tennis 70% of the time the match is being played...in Cricket, its 40%-so the spoken words are more in Cricket commentary. Then in sports like Athletics, where one has to talk over the picture - the job becomes more entertaining. So it differs from sports to sports.
Q. On commentating in other sports I wont do another sports. I am very clear that I would do a sport where I believe I can add. All other sports, I watch like a fan. May be if I get to host a show on other sports I will, but I would rather not. I only do that work which excites me. But there is Alan (Wilkins) - who is at home with Cricket, Tennis, Rugby and Formula One. So it basically depends on each individual and his preference.
Q. On the ad strategy of the channel… Since ours is a free-to-air channel, it is entirely dependent on advertising revenue. Besides, Nepal we are focusing on Northeast and Uttranchal. We are working out special packages for big advertisers. Fortunately, we have a good response from the advertisers who have shown interest and commitment for Nepal I. Besides Dabur, which is sponsoring Ramayana, five other Indian companies have signed with us.
Q. On the flaws of the news environment… I think the news environment does change and shift all the time but especially in democracies, you have moments when the news world is called upon to full fill its mandate. This sole mandate is the protection of institutions, protection of fundamental principles of democracy. I think, today after several years, the news world is again being called upon to fulfill its mandate.
Q. On the present-day TV news scenario TV news in this country is still emerging and taking its shape. What we see around us are the problems associated with the process of maturity. People who are running TV news do not have enough hands on experience. The number of trained broadcast journalists is much less than the requirement, particularly in view of the news channel boom. There is a group of 20 - 25 people who keep moving from one channel to another. So, all these news channels look alike. This is a problem associated with the system. And once we have enough number of experienced TV professionals, the situation will change. But I believe that in the absence of quality training institutes, the mess will continue for sometime.
Q. In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment It is a niche, glamorous and high quality Nepalese language entertainment and news channel. There is no other Indian channel in Nepalese. Its potential target viewership is 2-3 times the viewership of English Channels in India.
Q. On different styles and genre of TV sports commentating Its different with each individuals and each represents a different style. At the end, the broadcast is about adding, informing and entertaining. But it does differ from one sport to the other. Cricket is much longer drawn game but in tennis you only speak in the pauses. In cricket, after the ball has been bowled and a shot has been played...there is a significant amount of pause. In Tennis, that pause is for a very short time. So the commentators role is much smaller in Tennis, but more critical also. Because in that little period he has got to make an impact. In Tennis 70% of the time the match is being played...in Cricket, its 40%-so the spoken words are more in Cricket commentary. Then in sports like Athletics, where one has to talk over the picture - the job becomes more entertaining. So it differs from sports to sports.
Q. On commentating in other sports I wont do another sports. I am very clear that I would do a sport where I believe I can add. All other sports, I watch like a fan. May be if I get to host a show on other sports I will, but I would rather not. I only do that work which excites me. But there is Alan (Wilkins) - who is at home with Cricket, Tennis, Rugby and Formula One. So it basically depends on each individual and his preference.
Q. On the ad strategy of the channel… Since ours is a free-to-air channel, it is entirely dependent on advertising revenue. Besides, Nepal we are focusing on Northeast and Uttranchal. We are working out special packages for big advertisers. Fortunately, we have a good response from the advertisers who have shown interest and commitment for Nepal I. Besides Dabur, which is sponsoring Ramayana, five other Indian companies have signed with us.
Q. On the new trend of editorial heads reporting to marketing directors… I think it is an incredibly unhealthy trend. There is a division between the church and the state. There is a wall, I think the wall can be straddled at the very highest level but if you demolish the wall altogether, you create anarchy of commerce and content, which I think is a bad idea. I think journalism has a very deep soul, and if you take it away from that, it no longer remains journalism, it becomes a mere peddling of products. If in a democracy like ours, we are called the Fourth Estate, and we are given privileges in our social set up, we must understand that these privileges come at a price of our duties and integrity. So, I think it can be a big mistake, if the driving engines of journalism become commerce and not content.
Q. On TV sports commentary It is means of entertaining people using sports as a medium. So when we are doing commentary on Sports, we are part of an entertainment process by which we are communicating the joy of the sports to the people who want to watch it. Really it is nothing more than that. This entertainment can be communicated in a number of ways. Either it can be having lots of fun that the audience shares in or using education as a means to entertainment. By telling people more about the game-they tend to watch more. But that's a minor aspect of commentary. I think at the end, one watches sports to see the drama of human achievements, and we are just the voice that adds to the drama - no more, no less. We cannot take ourselves more seriously than that. We are a visual presence, which adds on to the drama that is being enacted anyway. And that's all we do. If we do more, we will take away from original drama that is already happening and that is not our job.
Q. On the time when news world is called upon… This happens when the quantum of misuse of power grows beyond the tolerance levels, something which has been seen as a progressive trend in the last 10-15 years. When the citizens are under greater threat and it is a periodic process; it happens in every democracy, like we are just starting to see it in the US.
Q. On the time when news world is called upon… This happens when the quantum of misuse of power grows beyond the tolerance levels, something which has been seen as a progressive trend in the last 10-15 years. When the citizens are under greater threat and it is a periodic process; it happens in every democracy, like we are just starting to see it in the US.
Q. On commentating in other sports I wont do another sports. I am very clear that I would do a sport where I believe I can add. All other sports, I watch like a fan. May be if I get to host a show on other sports I will, but I would rather not. I only do that work which excites me. But there is Alan (Wilkins) - who is at home with Cricket, Tennis, Rugby and Formula One. So it basically depends on each individual and his preference.
Q. On the ad strategy of the channel… Since ours is a free-to-air channel, it is entirely dependent on advertising revenue. Besides, Nepal we are focusing on Northeast and Uttranchal. We are working out special packages for big advertisers. Fortunately, we have a good response from the advertisers who have shown interest and commitment for Nepal I. Besides Dabur, which is sponsoring Ramayana, five other Indian companies have signed with us.
Q. On the news channels boom In a country of 100 crore, there is a room for all the news channels. Of course, this has led to intense competition. But then ultimately, the competition is to the advantage of the viewer. Having been held captive for over three decades by Doordarshan news, viewers now find a news buffet in front of them, with a wide choice.
Q. On TV sports commentary It is means of entertaining people using sports as a medium. So when we are doing commentary on Sports, we are part of an entertainment process by which we are communicating the joy of the sports to the people who want to watch it. Really it is nothing more than that. This entertainment can be communicated in a number of ways. Either it can be having lots of fun that the audience shares in or using education as a means to entertainment. By telling people more about the game-they tend to watch more. But that's a minor aspect of commentary. I think at the end, one watches sports to see the drama of human achievements, and we are just the voice that adds to the drama - no more, no less. We cannot take ourselves more seriously than that. We are a visual presence, which adds on to the drama that is being enacted anyway. And that's all we do. If we do more, we will take away from original drama that is already happening and that is not our job.
Q. On the ingredients required to a become good TV sports commentator There are two or three things. First, One should know enough about the game to know and add to what viewer's have seen. He must be able to be a viewer's friend and must have a sense of humor. It is critical in a long drawn game like cricket. He must also have certain presence and must love the language. Sometimes we disregard the value of language. The broadcaster must love the language in which the broadcast is going. Whether it is Hindi, English, Telugu, Marathi...or anything - one must love the language. Also, it is important to have a presence of mind. Because things are developing all the time and one should be able to react to it and yet keep your feet on the grounds.
Q. On the flaws of the news environment… I think the news environment does change and shift all the time but especially in democracies, you have moments when the news world is called upon to full fill its mandate. This sole mandate is the protection of institutions, protection of fundamental principles of democracy. I think, today after several years, the news world is again being called upon to fulfill its mandate.
Q. On TV sports commentary It is means of entertaining people using sports as a medium. So when we are doing commentary on Sports, we are part of an entertainment process by which we are communicating the joy of the sports to the people who want to watch it. Really it is nothing more than that. This entertainment can be communicated in a number of ways. Either it can be having lots of fun that the audience shares in or using education as a means to entertainment. By telling people more about the game-they tend to watch more. But that's a minor aspect of commentary. I think at the end, one watches sports to see the drama of human achievements, and we are just the voice that adds to the drama - no more, no less. We cannot take ourselves more seriously than that. We are a visual presence, which adds on to the drama that is being enacted anyway. And that's all we do. If we do more, we will take away from original drama that is already happening and that is not our job.
Q. On the present-day TV news scenario TV news in this country is still emerging and taking its shape. What we see around us are the problems associated with the process of maturity. People who are running TV news do not have enough hands on experience. The number of trained broadcast journalists is much less than the requirement, particularly in view of the news channel boom. There is a group of 20 - 25 people who keep moving from one channel to another. So, all these news channels look alike. This is a problem associated with the system. And once we have enough number of experienced TV professionals, the situation will change. But I believe that in the absence of quality training institutes, the mess will continue for sometime.
Q. In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment It is a niche, glamorous and high quality Nepalese language entertainment and news channel. There is no other Indian channel in Nepalese. Its potential target viewership is 2-3 times the viewership of English Channels in India.
Q. On different styles and genre of TV sports commentating Its different with each individuals and each represents a different style. At the end, the broadcast is about adding, informing and entertaining. But it does differ from one sport to the other. Cricket is much longer drawn game but in tennis you only speak in the pauses. In cricket, after the ball has been bowled and a shot has been played...there is a significant amount of pause. In Tennis, that pause is for a very short time. So the commentators role is much smaller in Tennis, but more critical also. Because in that little period he has got to make an impact. In Tennis 70% of the time the match is being played...in Cricket, its 40%-so the spoken words are more in Cricket commentary. Then in sports like Athletics, where one has to talk over the picture - the job becomes more entertaining. So it differs from sports to sports.
Q. On commentating in other sports I wont do another sports. I am very clear that I would do a sport where I believe I can add. All other sports, I watch like a fan. May be if I get to host a show on other sports I will, but I would rather not. I only do that work which excites me. But there is Alan (Wilkins) - who is at home with Cricket, Tennis, Rugby and Formula One. So it basically depends on each individual and his preference.
Q. On the ad strategy of the channel… Since ours is a free-to-air channel, it is entirely dependent on advertising revenue. Besides, Nepal we are focusing on Northeast and Uttranchal. We are working out special packages for big advertisers. Fortunately, we have a good response from the advertisers who have shown interest and commitment for Nepal I. Besides Dabur, which is sponsoring Ramayana, five other Indian companies have signed with us.
Q. On the scope and relevance of news shows in the context of 24-hour TV news News shows have their own scope and relevance. Viewers, who have seen the news the whole day, want someone to present analysis of day's happenings. This is where shows like Aaj Ki Baat work. We also present a glimpse of tomorrow's happenings. The idea is to prepare the viewers about next day's happenings before he goes to bed so that he can keep an eye on his area of interest. One of our sections that have done well with viewers is the public interest segment towards the end of the show. In this segment, we try and tell people if they are doing something wrong. Our crew with a secret camera catches people urinating in public places, people traveling on bus / train roof tops, cops extorting money from poor rail passengers for letting them into unreserved compartments.
Q. On the news channels boom In a country of 100 crore, there is a room for all the news channels. Of course, this has led to intense competition. But then ultimately, the competition is to the advantage of the viewer. Having been held captive for over three decades by Doordarshan news, viewers now find a news buffet in front of them, with a wide choice.
Q. On the new trend of editorial heads reporting to marketing directors… I think it is an incredibly unhealthy trend. There is a division between the church and the state. There is a wall, I think the wall can be straddled at the very highest level but if you demolish the wall altogether, you create anarchy of commerce and content, which I think is a bad idea. I think journalism has a very deep soul, and if you take it away from that, it no longer remains journalism, it becomes a mere peddling of products. If in a democracy like ours, we are called the Fourth Estate, and we are given privileges in our social set up, we must understand that these privileges come at a price of our duties and integrity. So, I think it can be a big mistake, if the driving engines of journalism become commerce and not content.
Q. On her transition from TV producer to a broadcaster… In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment channels. Later on, I hit upon the idea of launching an Indian Nepalese channel. I found commercial scope in it and the presence of big Indian companies in Nepal prompted me to launch Nepal I.
Q. On the scope and relevance of news shows in the context of 24-hour TV news News shows have their own scope and relevance. Viewers, who have seen the news the whole day, want someone to present analysis of day's happenings. This is where shows like Aaj Ki Baat work. We also present a glimpse of tomorrow's happenings. The idea is to prepare the viewers about next day's happenings before he goes to bed so that he can keep an eye on his area of interest. One of our sections that have done well with viewers is the public interest segment towards the end of the show. In this segment, we try and tell people if they are doing something wrong. Our crew with a secret camera catches people urinating in public places, people traveling on bus / train roof tops, cops extorting money from poor rail passengers for letting them into unreserved compartments.
Q. On the time when news world is called upon… This happens when the quantum of misuse of power grows beyond the tolerance levels, something which has been seen as a progressive trend in the last 10-15 years. When the citizens are under greater threat and it is a periodic process; it happens in every democracy, like we are just starting to see it in the US.
Q. On the scope and relevance of news shows in the context of 24-hour TV news News shows have their own scope and relevance. Viewers, who have seen the news the whole day, want someone to present analysis of day's happenings. This is where shows like Aaj Ki Baat work. We also present a glimpse of tomorrow's happenings. The idea is to prepare the viewers about next day's happenings before he goes to bed so that he can keep an eye on his area of interest. One of our sections that have done well with viewers is the public interest segment towards the end of the show. In this segment, we try and tell people if they are doing something wrong. Our crew with a secret camera catches people urinating in public places, people traveling on bus / train roof tops, cops extorting money from poor rail passengers for letting them into unreserved compartments.
Q. On her transition from TV producer to a broadcaster… In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment channels. Later on, I hit upon the idea of launching an Indian Nepalese channel. I found commercial scope in it and the presence of big Indian companies in Nepal prompted me to launch Nepal I.
Q. On TV sports commentary It is means of entertaining people using sports as a medium. So when we are doing commentary on Sports, we are part of an entertainment process by which we are communicating the joy of the sports to the people who want to watch it. Really it is nothing more than that. This entertainment can be communicated in a number of ways. Either it can be having lots of fun that the audience shares in or using education as a means to entertainment. By telling people more about the game-they tend to watch more. But that's a minor aspect of commentary. I think at the end, one watches sports to see the drama of human achievements, and we are just the voice that adds to the drama - no more, no less. We cannot take ourselves more seriously than that. We are a visual presence, which adds on to the drama that is being enacted anyway. And that's all we do. If we do more, we will take away from original drama that is already happening and that is not our job.
Q. On the present-day TV news scenario TV news in this country is still emerging and taking its shape. What we see around us are the problems associated with the process of maturity. People who are running TV news do not have enough hands on experience. The number of trained broadcast journalists is much less than the requirement, particularly in view of the news channel boom. There is a group of 20 - 25 people who keep moving from one channel to another. So, all these news channels look alike. This is a problem associated with the system. And once we have enough number of experienced TV professionals, the situation will change. But I believe that in the absence of quality training institutes, the mess will continue for sometime.
Q. In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment It is a niche, glamorous and high quality Nepalese language entertainment and news channel. There is no other Indian channel in Nepalese. Its potential target viewership is 2-3 times the viewership of English Channels in India.
Q. On the news channels boom In a country of 100 crore, there is a room for all the news channels. Of course, this has led to intense competition. But then ultimately, the competition is to the advantage of the viewer. Having been held captive for over three decades by Doordarshan news, viewers now find a news buffet in front of them, with a wide choice.
Q. On the flaws of the news environment… I think the news environment does change and shift all the time but especially in democracies, you have moments when the news world is called upon to full fill its mandate. This sole mandate is the protection of institutions, protection of fundamental principles of democracy. I think, today after several years, the news world is again being called upon to fulfill its mandate.
Q. On the present-day TV news scenario TV news in this country is still emerging and taking its shape. What we see around us are the problems associated with the process of maturity. People who are running TV news do not have enough hands on experience. The number of trained broadcast journalists is much less than the requirement, particularly in view of the news channel boom. There is a group of 20 - 25 people who keep moving from one channel to another. So, all these news channels look alike. This is a problem associated with the system. And once we have enough number of experienced TV professionals, the situation will change. But I believe that in the absence of quality training institutes, the mess will continue for sometime.
Q. On the news channels boom In a country of 100 crore, there is a room for all the news channels. Of course, this has led to intense competition. But then ultimately, the competition is to the advantage of the viewer. Having been held captive for over three decades by Doordarshan news, viewers now find a news buffet in front of them, with a wide choice.
Q. On her transition from TV producer to a broadcaster… In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment channels. Later on, I hit upon the idea of launching an Indian Nepalese channel. I found commercial scope in it and the presence of big Indian companies in Nepal prompted me to launch Nepal I.
Q. On the flaws of the news environment… I think the news environment does change and shift all the time but especially in democracies, you have moments when the news world is called upon to full fill its mandate. This sole mandate is the protection of institutions, protection of fundamental principles of democracy. I think, today after several years, the news world is again being called upon to fulfill its mandate.
Q. On the time when news world is called upon… This happens when the quantum of misuse of power grows beyond the tolerance levels, something which has been seen as a progressive trend in the last 10-15 years. When the citizens are under greater threat and it is a periodic process; it happens in every democracy, like we are just starting to see it in the US.
Q. On different styles and genre of TV sports commentating Its different with each individuals and each represents a different style. At the end, the broadcast is about adding, informing and entertaining. But it does differ from one sport to the other. Cricket is much longer drawn game but in tennis you only speak in the pauses. In cricket, after the ball has been bowled and a shot has been played...there is a significant amount of pause. In Tennis, that pause is for a very short time. So the commentators role is much smaller in Tennis, but more critical also. Because in that little period he has got to make an impact. In Tennis 70% of the time the match is being played...in Cricket, its 40%-so the spoken words are more in Cricket commentary. Then in sports like Athletics, where one has to talk over the picture - the job becomes more entertaining. So it differs from sports to sports.
Q. On the scope and relevance of news shows in the context of 24-hour TV news News shows have their own scope and relevance. Viewers, who have seen the news the whole day, want someone to present analysis of day's happenings. This is where shows like Aaj Ki Baat work. We also present a glimpse of tomorrow's happenings. The idea is to prepare the viewers about next day's happenings before he goes to bed so that he can keep an eye on his area of interest. One of our sections that have done well with viewers is the public interest segment towards the end of the show. In this segment, we try and tell people if they are doing something wrong. Our crew with a secret camera catches people urinating in public places, people traveling on bus / train roof tops, cops extorting money from poor rail passengers for letting them into unreserved compartments.
Q. In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment It is a niche, glamorous and high quality Nepalese language entertainment and news channel. There is no other Indian channel in Nepalese. Its potential target viewership is 2-3 times the viewership of English Channels in India.
Q. On different styles and genre of TV sports commentating Its different with each individuals and each represents a different style. At the end, the broadcast is about adding, informing and entertaining. But it does differ from one sport to the other. Cricket is much longer drawn game but in tennis you only speak in the pauses. In cricket, after the ball has been bowled and a shot has been played...there is a significant amount of pause. In Tennis, that pause is for a very short time. So the commentators role is much smaller in Tennis, but more critical also. Because in that little period he has got to make an impact. In Tennis 70% of the time the match is being played...in Cricket, its 40%-so the spoken words are more in Cricket commentary. Then in sports like Athletics, where one has to talk over the picture - the job becomes more entertaining. So it differs from sports to sports.
Q. On commentating in other sports I wont do another sports. I am very clear that I would do a sport where I believe I can add. All other sports, I watch like a fan. May be if I get to host a show on other sports I will, but I would rather not. I only do that work which excites me. But there is Alan (Wilkins) - who is at home with Cricket, Tennis, Rugby and Formula One. So it basically depends on each individual and his preference.
Q. On the ad strategy of the channel… Since ours is a free-to-air channel, it is entirely dependent on advertising revenue. Besides, Nepal we are focusing on Northeast and Uttranchal. We are working out special packages for big advertisers. Fortunately, we have a good response from the advertisers who have shown interest and commitment for Nepal I. Besides Dabur, which is sponsoring Ramayana, five other Indian companies have signed with us.
Q. On the flaws of the news environment… I think the news environment does change and shift all the time but especially in democracies, you have moments when the news world is called upon to full fill its mandate. This sole mandate is the protection of institutions, protection of fundamental principles of democracy. I think, today after several years, the news world is again being called upon to fulfill its mandate.
Q. On the present-day TV news scenario TV news in this country is still emerging and taking its shape. What we see around us are the problems associated with the process of maturity. People who are running TV news do not have enough hands on experience. The number of trained broadcast journalists is much less than the requirement, particularly in view of the news channel boom. There is a group of 20 - 25 people who keep moving from one channel to another. So, all these news channels look alike. This is a problem associated with the system. And once we have enough number of experienced TV professionals, the situation will change. But I believe that in the absence of quality training institutes, the mess will continue for sometime.
Q. In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment It is a niche, glamorous and high quality Nepalese language entertainment and news channel. There is no other Indian channel in Nepalese. Its potential target viewership is 2-3 times the viewership of English Channels in India.
Q. On different styles and genre of TV sports commentating Its different with each individuals and each represents a different style. At the end, the broadcast is about adding, informing and entertaining. But it does differ from one sport to the other. Cricket is much longer drawn game but in tennis you only speak in the pauses. In cricket, after the ball has been bowled and a shot has been played...there is a significant amount of pause. In Tennis, that pause is for a very short time. So the commentators role is much smaller in Tennis, but more critical also. Because in that little period he has got to make an impact. In Tennis 70% of the time the match is being played...in Cricket, its 40%-so the spoken words are more in Cricket commentary. Then in sports like Athletics, where one has to talk over the picture - the job becomes more entertaining. So it differs from sports to sports.
Q. On commentating in other sports I wont do another sports. I am very clear that I would do a sport where I believe I can add. All other sports, I watch like a fan. May be if I get to host a show on other sports I will, but I would rather not. I only do that work which excites me. But there is Alan (Wilkins) - who is at home with Cricket, Tennis, Rugby and Formula One. So it basically depends on each individual and his preference.
Q. On the ad strategy of the channel… Since ours is a free-to-air channel, it is entirely dependent on advertising revenue. Besides, Nepal we are focusing on Northeast and Uttranchal. We are working out special packages for big advertisers. Fortunately, we have a good response from the advertisers who have shown interest and commitment for Nepal I. Besides Dabur, which is sponsoring Ramayana, five other Indian companies have signed with us.
Q. On the new trend of editorial heads reporting to marketing directors… I think it is an incredibly unhealthy trend. There is a division between the church and the state. There is a wall, I think the wall can be straddled at the very highest level but if you demolish the wall altogether, you create anarchy of commerce and content, which I think is a bad idea. I think journalism has a very deep soul, and if you take it away from that, it no longer remains journalism, it becomes a mere peddling of products. If in a democracy like ours, we are called the Fourth Estate, and we are given privileges in our social set up, we must understand that these privileges come at a price of our duties and integrity. So, I think it can be a big mistake, if the driving engines of journalism become commerce and not content.
Q. On TV sports commentary It is means of entertaining people using sports as a medium. So when we are doing commentary on Sports, we are part of an entertainment process by which we are communicating the joy of the sports to the people who want to watch it. Really it is nothing more than that. This entertainment can be communicated in a number of ways. Either it can be having lots of fun that the audience shares in or using education as a means to entertainment. By telling people more about the game-they tend to watch more. But that's a minor aspect of commentary. I think at the end, one watches sports to see the drama of human achievements, and we are just the voice that adds to the drama - no more, no less. We cannot take ourselves more seriously than that. We are a visual presence, which adds on to the drama that is being enacted anyway. And that's all we do. If we do more, we will take away from original drama that is already happening and that is not our job.
Q. On the time when news world is called upon… This happens when the quantum of misuse of power grows beyond the tolerance levels, something which has been seen as a progressive trend in the last 10-15 years. When the citizens are under greater threat and it is a periodic process; it happens in every democracy, like we are just starting to see it in the US.
Q. On the time when news world is called upon… This happens when the quantum of misuse of power grows beyond the tolerance levels, something which has been seen as a progressive trend in the last 10-15 years. When the citizens are under greater threat and it is a periodic process; it happens in every democracy, like we are just starting to see it in the US.
Q. On commentating in other sports I wont do another sports. I am very clear that I would do a sport where I believe I can add. All other sports, I watch like a fan. May be if I get to host a show on other sports I will, but I would rather not. I only do that work which excites me. But there is Alan (Wilkins) - who is at home with Cricket, Tennis, Rugby and Formula One. So it basically depends on each individual and his preference.
Q. On the ad strategy of the channel… Since ours is a free-to-air channel, it is entirely dependent on advertising revenue. Besides, Nepal we are focusing on Northeast and Uttranchal. We are working out special packages for big advertisers. Fortunately, we have a good response from the advertisers who have shown interest and commitment for Nepal I. Besides Dabur, which is sponsoring Ramayana, five other Indian companies have signed with us.
Q. On the news channels boom In a country of 100 crore, there is a room for all the news channels. Of course, this has led to intense competition. But then ultimately, the competition is to the advantage of the viewer. Having been held captive for over three decades by Doordarshan news, viewers now find a news buffet in front of them, with a wide choice.
Q. On TV sports commentary It is means of entertaining people using sports as a medium. So when we are doing commentary on Sports, we are part of an entertainment process by which we are communicating the joy of the sports to the people who want to watch it. Really it is nothing more than that. This entertainment can be communicated in a number of ways. Either it can be having lots of fun that the audience shares in or using education as a means to entertainment. By telling people more about the game-they tend to watch more. But that's a minor aspect of commentary. I think at the end, one watches sports to see the drama of human achievements, and we are just the voice that adds to the drama - no more, no less. We cannot take ourselves more seriously than that. We are a visual presence, which adds on to the drama that is being enacted anyway. And that's all we do. If we do more, we will take away from original drama that is already happening and that is not our job.
Q. On the ingredients required to a become good TV sports commentator There are two or three things. First, One should know enough about the game to know and add to what viewer's have seen. He must be able to be a viewer's friend and must have a sense of humor. It is critical in a long drawn game like cricket. He must also have certain presence and must love the language. Sometimes we disregard the value of language. The broadcaster must love the language in which the broadcast is going. Whether it is Hindi, English, Telugu, Marathi...or anything - one must love the language. Also, it is important to have a presence of mind. Because things are developing all the time and one should be able to react to it and yet keep your feet on the grounds.
Q. On the flaws of the news environment… I think the news environment does change and shift all the time but especially in democracies, you have moments when the news world is called upon to full fill its mandate. This sole mandate is the protection of institutions, protection of fundamental principles of democracy. I think, today after several years, the news world is again being called upon to fulfill its mandate.
Q. On TV sports commentary It is means of entertaining people using sports as a medium. So when we are doing commentary on Sports, we are part of an entertainment process by which we are communicating the joy of the sports to the people who want to watch it. Really it is nothing more than that. This entertainment can be communicated in a number of ways. Either it can be having lots of fun that the audience shares in or using education as a means to entertainment. By telling people more about the game-they tend to watch more. But that's a minor aspect of commentary. I think at the end, one watches sports to see the drama of human achievements, and we are just the voice that adds to the drama - no more, no less. We cannot take ourselves more seriously than that. We are a visual presence, which adds on to the drama that is being enacted anyway. And that's all we do. If we do more, we will take away from original drama that is already happening and that is not our job.
Q. On the present-day TV news scenario TV news in this country is still emerging and taking its shape. What we see around us are the problems associated with the process of maturity. People who are running TV news do not have enough hands on experience. The number of trained broadcast journalists is much less than the requirement, particularly in view of the news channel boom. There is a group of 20 - 25 people who keep moving from one channel to another. So, all these news channels look alike. This is a problem associated with the system. And once we have enough number of experienced TV professionals, the situation will change. But I believe that in the absence of quality training institutes, the mess will continue for sometime.
Q. In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment It is a niche, glamorous and high quality Nepalese language entertainment and news channel. There is no other Indian channel in Nepalese. Its potential target viewership is 2-3 times the viewership of English Channels in India.
Q. On different styles and genre of TV sports commentating Its different with each individuals and each represents a different style. At the end, the broadcast is about adding, informing and entertaining. But it does differ from one sport to the other. Cricket is much longer drawn game but in tennis you only speak in the pauses. In cricket, after the ball has been bowled and a shot has been played...there is a significant amount of pause. In Tennis, that pause is for a very short time. So the commentators role is much smaller in Tennis, but more critical also. Because in that little period he has got to make an impact. In Tennis 70% of the time the match is being played...in Cricket, its 40%-so the spoken words are more in Cricket commentary. Then in sports like Athletics, where one has to talk over the picture - the job becomes more entertaining. So it differs from sports to sports.
Q. On commentating in other sports I wont do another sports. I am very clear that I would do a sport where I believe I can add. All other sports, I watch like a fan. May be if I get to host a show on other sports I will, but I would rather not. I only do that work which excites me. But there is Alan (Wilkins) - who is at home with Cricket, Tennis, Rugby and Formula One. So it basically depends on each individual and his preference.
Q. On the ad strategy of the channel… Since ours is a free-to-air channel, it is entirely dependent on advertising revenue. Besides, Nepal we are focusing on Northeast and Uttranchal. We are working out special packages for big advertisers. Fortunately, we have a good response from the advertisers who have shown interest and commitment for Nepal I. Besides Dabur, which is sponsoring Ramayana, five other Indian companies have signed with us.
Q. On the scope and relevance of news shows in the context of 24-hour TV news News shows have their own scope and relevance. Viewers, who have seen the news the whole day, want someone to present analysis of day's happenings. This is where shows like Aaj Ki Baat work. We also present a glimpse of tomorrow's happenings. The idea is to prepare the viewers about next day's happenings before he goes to bed so that he can keep an eye on his area of interest. One of our sections that have done well with viewers is the public interest segment towards the end of the show. In this segment, we try and tell people if they are doing something wrong. Our crew with a secret camera catches people urinating in public places, people traveling on bus / train roof tops, cops extorting money from poor rail passengers for letting them into unreserved compartments.
Q. On the news channels boom In a country of 100 crore, there is a room for all the news channels. Of course, this has led to intense competition. But then ultimately, the competition is to the advantage of the viewer. Having been held captive for over three decades by Doordarshan news, viewers now find a news buffet in front of them, with a wide choice.
Q. On the new trend of editorial heads reporting to marketing directors… I think it is an incredibly unhealthy trend. There is a division between the church and the state. There is a wall, I think the wall can be straddled at the very highest level but if you demolish the wall altogether, you create anarchy of commerce and content, which I think is a bad idea. I think journalism has a very deep soul, and if you take it away from that, it no longer remains journalism, it becomes a mere peddling of products. If in a democracy like ours, we are called the Fourth Estate, and we are given privileges in our social set up, we must understand that these privileges come at a price of our duties and integrity. So, I think it can be a big mistake, if the driving engines of journalism become commerce and not content.
Q. On her transition from TV producer to a broadcaster… In fact, both Shatrughan Sinha and I have been talking about starting a Bhojpuri entertainment channel. I pursued the idea quite vigorously, even holding meetings with cable operators in Patna who showed lot of interest. However, I had to shelve the idea because it was commercially unviable and with limited funds, I could not have competed with prime entertainment channels. Later on, I hit upon the idea of launching an Indian Nepalese channel. I found commercial scope in it and the presence of big Indian companies in Nepal prompted me to launch Nepal I.
Q. On the scope and relevance of news shows in the context of 24-hour TV news News shows have their own scope and relevance. Viewers, who have seen the news the whole day, want someone to present analysis of day's happenings. This is where shows like Aaj Ki Baat work. We also present a glimpse of tomorrow's happenings. The idea is to prepare the viewers about next day's happenings before he goes to bed so that he can keep an eye on his area of interest. One of our sections that have done well with viewers is the public interest segment towards the end of the show. In this segment, we try and tell people if they are doing something wrong. Our crew with a secret camera catches people urinating in public places, people traveling on bus / train roof tops, cops extorting money from poor rail passengers for letting them into unreserved compartments.
Q. On the time when news world is called upon… This happens when the quantum of misuse of power grows beyond the tolerance levels, something which has been seen as a progressive trend in the last 10-15 years. When the citizens are under greater threat and it is a periodic process; it happens in every democracy, like we are just starting to see it in the US.
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