Media Monitor
Popular Kairali Channel under Manichan Influence?
When Kairali TV officials visited Muscat to market their initial share issue, they called all the journalists in town to brief about the future plans and raise money. But this time, a high profile Kairali team preferred to call selectively and camp in a corporate office to popularise the channel?, allege journalists in Muscat. Is it because they fear some uncomfortable questions about the channel performance? asked one of them. O r is it a Manichan symptom in Muscat?
Despite tall claims about being a popular channel, Kairali seems to be slipping back to the hands of influential businessman from the Gulf. Even some of its comrades are apparently under the "Manichan influence" . Sreeraman, the high profile anchor of a public debate programme - Problems facing Gulf Malayalis had to edit all critical statements about some Gulf businessmen who are responsible for some of the problems. . Even though the public who attended the debate organised by the Indian Social Club in Muscat linguistic wing overwhelmingly supported the points, the "neutral" Sriraman edited the remarks made by the debate participant Do the rich businessmen, who have share in the channel dictate the editorial policy too?. Three of the Channel directors who are on a visit have been camping in a corporate office and organising public programmes to popularise the channel? Shame for a channel like Kairali which claims to represent the working class. Are they going close to the viewers or close to the rich and powerful?
There are complaints that names and visuals are selectively "edited" conveniently to exclude unfavourable people and scenes from going public.. A singer says his name was totally removed when the programme appeared on TV. A volleyball team complains that only their name was excluded from the report because of unknown reasons. .Watch this space.
Surya Channel Starts Middle East Operations - Watch this space.
Asianet Franchisee Over Charging Customers?
Some social organisations in Muscat have complaints about the pricing of Asianet Sponsored programmes through their official franchisee. Is TV Journalism is steeping down to the level of paid advertisement campaigns?. "We will report your news only if you take one hour sponsored Programme" worth ...at lest three community association members said. Some were charged double the rate last year for half an hour programme. For shooting a newsworthy event, Asianet charges equivalent to Rs.12,000 to Rs.15,000? No wonder that when people like K.P.Mohan and Raji Menon are at the helm of affairs, you can expect more. "Last year they charged double the amount than the ad rate given by the Dubai office. This time we realised the trick.." says one of the victims.
