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Why our TV channels awash with inane programmes 

Published : Monday, 11 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 310
Rusaid Ahmed
In the late 19th century, two scientists, May and Smith, had made innovative attempts to develop a process for transmitting images through electrical signals. Building on this foundation, nearly 40 years later, in 1926, John Logie Baird from the United Kingdom succeeded in transmitting black-and-white images via electrical signals. This groundbreaking innovation marked the dawn of an extraordinary device known as "television."

A decade later, Russian engineer Isaac Shoenberg's tireless efforts led to the launch of the world's first television channel, the BBC. By 1940, television had not only become a significant medium alongside newspapers but also evolved into one of the most prominent mass communication platforms. Initially, televisions were bulky boxes, but with technological advancements, they became lighter and more portable. Where once people had to buy separate tables or wardrobes for their TV sets, today, smart TVs adorn the walls of countless homes, captivating audiences with a variety of shows-from political and economic talk shows to entertainment, sports, and global news.

Even the advent of the internet in the 1990s did not diminish the appeal of television, particularly in Bangladesh. In fact, the demand for television grew steadily for the unique programming of the state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV). The introduction of private television channels in the early 21st century further amplified this demand.

However, over the past decade and a half, as the internet has become more accessible, television channels have increasingly prioritized short-term gains. Instead of producing quality content, they have focused on low-effort, low-cost programming aimed at maximizing TRP (Television Rating Point). TRP measures a program's viewership and helps determine advertising rates. The higher the TRP of a channel or program, the higher its advertising revenue-advertising is a significant source of income for TV channels. As a result, both news-focused and general channels have shifted towards producing cheaper content to secure higher TRP. 

This has led to an overflow of substandard programs and films on most Bangladeshi TV channels. With few exceptions, most shows fail to captivate audiences as they once did. During the 1980s and 1990s, programs like Nokshatrer Raat and Kothao Keu Nei enthralled Bangladeshi viewers because media executives prioritized quality content over TRP. Media professionals were eager to produce excellent work, believing that high-quality programs would naturally attract higher TRPs and advertising revenue.

Unfortunately, this approach is rare among today's media executives. They focus on maximizing profits with minimal effort and investment, showing little interest in creating unique content. In a May article published in Bangla Tribune, titled 'When will TRP determination start?', journalist Biplob Kumar Pal quoted a head of marketing from a private TV channel. According to him, the revenue earned from high-budget, quality programming is similar to that from broadcasting low-cost films purchased for just 5,000 to 10,000 BDT. Hence, with limited budgets and incentives, some TV channels no longer produce original programs but instead air several inexpensive films daily, saving costs and maximizing profits.

The same trend is evident in social media content creation by TV channels, newspapers, and online news portals. Except for a few media outlets, most churn out low-quality content aimed solely at going viral and increasing watch time. This is because monetized social media pages now offer revenue opportunities based on follower counts and watch time.

According to a recent survey, the television industry in Bangladesh was worth approximately $650 million by 2020. By next year, this figure is expected to rise to $940 million. Another study indicates that among all electronics sold in the country, televisions account for the highest share (30.03%).

This shows that even in an era of rapid internet growth, Bangladeshis have not entirely abandoned television. Therefore, if Bangladeshi TV channels and media shift their focus from merely chasing TRP or watch time to creating quality content, the public's engagement with media will remain strong. State subsidies or incentives could also play a crucial role in improving the industry's quality.

The writer is a student, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur



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