Media Explosion

This article is dedicated to all the creative talents working in the media and publishing Industries

I remember the days when the media came to existence in the form of newspapers and radio only.In our childhood ,we used to read the newspaper"Deccan Herald",the Bangalore edition.

I recollect the way ,i used to read the newspaper.From the last page(the sports section ) to the first.The business session was skipped in a jiffy. The newspaper prints were in black and white with fewer advertisements and depth in content.

The only ones to read the newspaper was my Dad and me. It was a leisure activity.The old charm of Bangalore was omnipresent in the writings. Some editions of "Indian express" were also enthralling.

The other important source of entertainment was the "Radio".I still recollect the wonderful programs like "Chayageet".The radio jockeys (or RJ's in today's parlance)or presenters had an audacious voice.The programs were so soothing to the ears and soul. The old hindi film songs being such a craze those days.

We used to hear the 9 pm English news on the radio. Even the cricket commentary was breathtaking. It was a pleasure to hear these with all friends and family members.

Another notable aspect of those times was when there is a power failure. There would be a commotion in the house and on the streets. People would enquire minute by minute running commentary on the status from KEB officials.


Slowly the advent of B/W Television ,changed the face of media. I remember the times when we used to wait eagerly for the popular entertainment called "Chitrahaar"on Wednesdays(start time = 8.00 pm) The ads would start from 7.45 pm -8.00 pm fultoosh.

There were the usual movies on Sundays and also "kavi sammelans","old classical music shows",cartoon shows and serials like "Nukad","udaan","Baneegi apni Baat","Malgudi days","Discovery of India","Surabhi",among others

The only channels available those times was the "DD1"and "DD2" as we designated it.
The films that would be played were the old hindi and kannada movies.

The news were very authentic with no personal lives of personalities been under severe scrutiny.Going for movies in theater was a luxury. Only for occasion's , it was an indulgence with family members

As the days progressed,the advent of colour television and subsequent availability of video players,business magazines,sports magazines(sportstar was a favorite),comic books,novels and fictions dramatically changed the media and publishing industry

Now people have more than they can chew. The media has become more savvy attention grabber.Publicity has become the name of the game.Global economy is under lot of stress and strain.People are becoming mobile 9on the go).There is plethora of entertainment spots to chill out and make yourself noticed. Media is playing to the galleries.

Innovation is the name of the game. The serials are all kinkky and kapput with "K"ruling the roost.The superficial emotions can be seen on the faces of actors with their larger than life portrayals.

The radio mirchis play around the clock giving you all kinds of matrimonial and business advices in between. Consumers have become the focal points to getting pampered with admonishment

The gizmo's have not been spared either. All kinds of mobile explosion are being tethered by the younger generations alike, not to mention the internet revolution.

By the click of the button (mouse),you are mesmerised with the kind of information and real time data is generated by the idiot box. The present generation has become a living gizmo with mobiles,laptops,PDA'S,Tablets,smart phones,IPads,Gaming consoles and PlayStation's ruling our daily lives.


May these innovations bring a reality check on the human facet as well.People are getting ripped apart like never before.The human mind is getting distracted towards the materialistic aspect as a whole ; with the spiritual side being neglected.

The media has to play an important role in society to make our country not lose its old values and culture and the wonderful good work put up by hard working personalities across society. We have to be responsible in making authentic effort towards making the country progressive by communicating solutions to problems and an effort in nation building

No discussions but actions; not by preaching values but by demonstrating it !!

Jai Ho!!

Sd/-

Roohul Haq