Do Debates on Indian News Channels Need to Focus on Unnecessary Topics?

Yesterday, I observed a debate on AajTak, a popular news channel, that seemed to be manufactured and unnecessarily sensational. The debate centered around Mr. Yogi’s recent visit to Mumbai, where he called in experts from Bollywood and other areas to discuss various topics. However, the discussions seemed to mainly revolve around rumors and unsubstantiated claims about one panelist, Mr. Kailash Khair. This approach to the debate not only wasted valuable airtime but also diverted attention from more pressing and meaningful issues.

The Unnecessary Focus

Let's delve into the specifics. Mr. Kailash Khair, who specializes in music, was repeatedly asked to elucidate on topics beyond his expertise. While it's understandable that he speaks on music, it's not the primary subject being discussed. The debate delved into speculative claims about Mr. Yogi's intentions and fears, primarily centered around whether Mr. Thakray (presumably Mr. Yogi) was afraid of his visit to Mumbai. This speculation, however, was not fact-based and added little value to the discourse.

The main discussion included claims from Maharashtra's Chief Minister (CM) that they would not let anything go, and UP's CM stating that he aims to give more rather than take. These statements are often presented as confrontations, but in reality, they are part of the usual political discourse without any substantial change or threat. The concern about the film industry being moved from Mumbai to UP is similarly overblown. Shifting an entire film industry overnights is impractical and requires a significant period of planning and development to establish an ecosystem for the industry.

Valueless Discussions and Media Accountability

Such debates are not only unproductive but also harmful to the reputation of media institutions. Instead of debating meaningful topics, these discussions often lack depth and are more akin to promotional or advertisement content. They cater to sensationalism and speculation, which only serve to diminish the credibility of the media. In today's era, where authentic and valuable content is in high demand, it's crucial for news channels to focus on substantive issues that benefit not just the panelists or producers but the audience as well.

A meaningful discussion could have included topics such as:

Planning and execution of the film industry in UP Key stakeholders and decision-makers involved in setting up the industry Challenges and strategies for talent migration and budget management

By focusing on these issues, the debate could have provided valuable insights and held relevant parties accountable for their actions. Instead of engaging in speculations and fears, media outlets should aim to foster constructive dialogues that contribute to the growth and development of the communities they serve.

The behavior of some news channels to manufacture and sensationalize discussions is a matter of serious concern. It undermines the trust and credibility of media institutions and distracts the public from more pressing issues that need to be addressed. meaningful discussions should focus on:

Educating the public on the realities of shifting an industry Highlighting the efforts required to develop a fertile ground for the film industry Addressing the concerns and expectations of stakeholders in the film industry

Ultimately, the role of news channels is not just to report events but to provide a platform for meaningful and constructive discussions that add value to the society. It's time for media outlets to shift their focus and engage in discussions that truly benefit the public interest, rather than those that serve as mere entertainment or promotion.

Conclusion

Debates and discussions on Indian news channels should be carefully curated to focus on substantive and meaningful topics. Speculations and sensationalism not only waste valuable airtime but also mislead the audience. By prioritizing value over entertainment, media institutions can play a pivotal role in shaping informed and engaged communities.