Back in the black-and-white days, as millennials can attest with grandparents, almost everything that appeared on the moving screen in India was in the national interest. Telecast was monopolized by the state-run Doordarshan, so good agricultural practices were preferred, while the risk of distracted fare in movie halls was balanced with ‘news reels’ to familiarize even the escapists with the progress of the country. But then a satellite invasion shattered this ideal and small screens with internet access blew the idea of a ‘national audience’ to bits and bytes. Since it makes no sense to blame Apple’s brand vision around 1984 for these splatters, the state has taken this as a pragmatic approach. It is in search of its own regulatory solutions. This week, the Indian government announced a new rule. All broadcasters reaching Indian TV screens will have to pay half an hour daily rent in the interest of the nation. It is said that he cheated many people. Some would have assumed that they were doing the same thing anyway. Others will wonder what can pass that test. But then, like in the old B&W days, when rooftop antennas had to be folded in for better reception, perhaps with some trial and error clarity would prevail.
The idea of such a mandate has been around since 2008, and it still feels more like an error than a trial. Maybe the news channels can claim the first right to protest. The daily noise that erupts in ‘debating’ is usually presented as a contest of nationalism, after all, scores are kept in decibel levels. The air-time devoted to this lunging exercise would easily exceed 30 minutes, as these channels could watch it, and while the odd extreme might strain diplomatic relations, they could still consider themselves obedient. Sports telecasters can also claim to be active, given that international cricket is their staple and for this a huge stadium has a live camera to wrap the screen in our tricolour, instantly getting the tricolor effect every home. For the audio portion of that audio-visual feed, one can pick up the mic to the heartfelt chants of “Chak De India” at such events. There was a time when litterateurs acknowledged confusion over this, as the phrase—’throw it’ in Hindi—seemed more appropriate for the javelin throw or the hammer throw, or even the fielding, but not the bowling, bat. So leave it alone. But not before the confused national sentiment took hold. ‘No Retreat’ is written after crossing the planks of a bridge, no matter what. Nowadays, the slogan symbolizes a passion for progress, which is the real stuff of national ambition, of course, a T20 World shock-avoidance type Cup defeat.
As it happens, everyday patriotism is also raising its pitch. We do not need to be detained for semantics and opinion on what serves our best interests. Pictured, instead, the broad shelter of LD rules in HD time (pardon the jargon) may offer TV channels that make up the bulk of our eyestrain. General entertainment may also have an edge in meeting the government quota of air time. For one, these shows make no bones about their purpose, which deserves a salute to begin with; For another, they’re reputed to pack in a lot of joint-family dynamics, so scripts can be extended one-earth and one-future way to satisfy our G20 mantra. In short, these channels can also claim to serve a greater cause. Last but not least, there is also cinema-based TV, whose unifying role has long been in the common tunes we hum on the streets. No state entry can drown in what is in the air. And with so much fervor in the game, New Delhi may even drop its decree.
catch all business News, market news, today’s fresh news events and breaking news Updates on Live Mint. download mint news app To get daily market updates.