TV is ALIVE and kicking, it seems
One thing is certain — the small screen rules the present day entertainment world. It is the instant choice of the majority, and runs on the click of a button with a variety of shows and programmes attracting the leisure seeking viewer. However, with almost all the shows available for later viewing at one’s convenience, the small screen is now drawing attention with the live telecast of programmes on special occasions, mostly on weekends to gain maximum popularity. Bengaluru Chronicle reports on the growing love for live telecasts of shows and programmes on television.
“It’s fascinating to understand the journey that television has had in India. From its sole objective of providing information with limited entertainment, it has now become the hub of everything and anything. Even news and informative programmes have started adopting new methods to hold the audience’s attention. The live telecast of programmes on television were limited to important events in the past such as the Republic Day parade, the speech of the President of India apart from sports. These days, with social networking sites allowing anyone to go live at any given point of time, even the small screen has been adopting live shows more frequently,” says director Naveen Kumar.
Those who brainstorm on the content for television are constantly working on finding new ways to attract the audience. “It is actually the advent of reality shows that has changed the scenario. In order to make it look more realistic, the live telecast of the finale of such shows started getting telecast live in front of a live audience. Recently, the grand finale of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs grand finale was telecasted live, and also the inaugural show of Dance Karnataka Dance Lil Masters went live,” says Varun Shetty, a programmer.
Riding on the small screen’s popularity, even the film industry has been utilising its power to reach the moviegoer. “Apart from organising grand special events like audio launches and other publicity stunts, they turn towards TV for live telecast. Even most of the award functions are live, but these days only a few prefer to have it telecast at the same time. Academy Award events are one of the most watched live events every year,” explains film technician, Shashank.
“However, live telecasts have its own limitations as it requires a huge budget, and great organisational skills, failing which it dents the credibility of the channels,” signs off producer Ravishankar.