Unleashing the Power of News Channels: An Indian Perspective: Dr N Bhaskara Rao

This book talks about the television news channels in India, which have sprouted between 2001-2011. The 13 chapters, under four sections, argue that news channels chould change the face of the country if only are determined to pursue their power and reorder their content priorities. The first section gives an overview of the larger scenario and the contextual background to do with growth, content model and marketing concerns and the idea of public service broadcasting for making a difference. The second section analyses the trends in the stunted spread and pleateauing reach of news channels, despite proliferation. The considerations and compulsions that determine the content model as in the case of TRPs and awards are analyses. The societal compulsions as against the market and consumer are also discussed. The third section discusses media reforms scenario and initiatives as well as compulsions of regulatory mechanism and ethical framework. The fourth section outlines with specific examples what news channels tend to miss in coverage which could shift the paradigm and rejuvenate news channels to their pride of place in a win-win way.