Public controversy surrounding the reality show, Sach Ka Saamna has once again raised questions about the conflict between the need to expand sales and TRPs and a moral or social responsibility that the entertainment industry has to the public in general. How far should the shows go toward garnering more viewership? How much is too much? It is difficult for producers?many experts believe that TV has a great influence over morality of viewers, and that those who make shows should behave ?responsibly?. On the other hand producers are also bound by the simple law of economics?where there is a demand, supply shall follow.
So who should be held responsible? Clearly it is important for content providers to adhere to certain parameters. However, audiences over time have also become far more selective with the programmes they watch. Therefore, it would be reasonable to argue that the audiences too must set their own limits?-if people don?t watch certain shows, those shows won?t be made. At the same time one must be careful to not once again be swept by the emotional tide created by self appointed ?social guardians?. It is imperative that the audience take an objective look at what is out there and learn to distinguish between what is truly crossing the line of social acceptance and what is uncomfortable simply because it is different. It?s not all bad either?-many reality shows have a served as an important platform for Indian talent, from ?Boogie Woogie? to ?Indian Idol? .
Understanding the mind of the audience in itself is not an easy task. Strange double standards exist?audiences lap up original formats of international shows like ?The Bachelor? or the notorious ?Temptation Island?, but develop an aversion to the same programmes with Indian participants. On ?Sach ka samna? our own version of ?The moment of truth? , free will is a key factor?-the contestant is free to walk away without answering any question at any given time, provided they are willing to forfeit the prize. There is no compulsion.And let?s not forget, all these television shows are about entertainment, not serious social change.
The author is a television actor