TV DEBATES AND DISCUSSIONS To day people are kept abreast by latest breaking news on electronic media. News watchers are glued to the electronic media for views, analysis, insights making it easy for general public to digest and keep up to date and well informed. Sometimes news papers also do the same, but bias comes in depending upon their leanings and personal interests and so called paid news. Politicians step up the ante and accuse media of being bought to broadcast certain line of defence, argument, when they are cornered on public issues
Governments in power are getting jittery and panicky and devising ways and means to curb what they call it press unbridled freedom, But the debates on all electronic media in any language are getting popular and drawing huge following, What is trivial, uncomfortable for the politicians may not be so for general public. Politicians are no longer able to sweep issues under carpet, shelved and obliterated from public mind .General public is more conscious, concerned and emotionally attached, well informed, and able to shift and sieve the trash, People can no more be taken for granted and expected to remain silent spectators, but they vociferously espouse their opinions, fearlessly and squarely and make them known The debates on some channels are uncontrolled, noisy and unregulated. Speakers do not observe decorum of not speaking in turns and even drown others and prevent them from expressing their views, At times some participants lionise the time, leaving many of their colleagues relegated to listening participants, Should not all be given equal time? On some channels participants refuse to participate for whatever reasons symbolised by the empty chair and at times depart, annoyed and insulted. Some anchors provide intricate background details bringing out contradictions; Those who do not conform to the line of the anchor are sidelined and kept silent observers, Should not the anchor be speaking the least and prodding the speakers at all times? Every speaker on the show must be provided uninterrupted, equal ,effective time to express their views, conclusions however divergent they may appear to be. It is the duty of the anchor to allow the other participants to challenge and the anchor should not thrust his or her preconceived judgement or take on the role of judge, prosecutor The anchor must regulate and control the speakers by turns, limit the responses, permit everyone to have their say, avoid personal insults and disrespect for opposing views and above all the anchor of the show must speak the least and avoid personal bias. The debates should not degenerate into market talks, personal feuds and platform for party publicity and political agenda. The participants must strike a balance, exercise self restraint and do not indulge in personal attacks and limit to the issues at all times. The common thread running through all debates and issues is to blame each other,resorted specially by the main National parties. The attempt to involve listeners in the course of debates is excellent idea of active participation The TV debates are enlightening, educative, and current and keeping with the pulse of the people. Had it not been for the pains taking efforts, detail investigations by the channels, public to day is well informed and loves to listen Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
