27 August 2009

The ever 'breaking news' hungry of Telugu televisions found another way out to increase their TRP ratings. The mushrooming growth of television channels in our state is making the editors desperate for content and a majority of them are turning towards gossip websites to source their information. The disturbing trend is not-so-important, socially irrelevant issues finding a prime slot on the news bulletins to grab some more eye balls. The channel heads who pump in huge amounts and invest in man power for the growth of the channel should understand that it is all just few thousands that is needed to run a website and it is unethical for journalists to 'steal' the content and airing it without cross checking the news. In the recent months, many producers and actors who questioned these channels had to face the same answer - got the information from websites.

It should be understood that many of these gossip websites don't credit their writers for the content and they don't hold accountability for the content placed on the site.

The recent example of junior NTR's private party is like an eye-opener. A friend of the actor, who captured few moments of the party on his mobile phone leaked it on the internet in youtube site. The channels went to the extent of linking it to the accident of Jr NTR during his recent election campaign in Khammam. They alleged that NTR, his friend Rajiv Kanakala were completely drunk during the campaign and it was their sheer negligence that caused the accident. And the worst twist was when these celebs were grilled on air on these allegations.

In another incident, few popular channels air the news that Allu Arjun is all set to remake Dostana in Telugu . When his PR guy questions channel authorities regarding the source, they blame it on the internet.

There are many similar incidents to narrate and this kind of professional negligence makes people loose interest and credibility in these channels. It it high time the editors ask their teams to call, cross check and get an official confirmation from the concerned celeb or person before they go on air just depending on small news items on websites. The television channels should realise their responsibility towards the society and also the film industry.