There is never a dull moment on Indian TV channels. TV ‘debates’ have now come to be known as the new form of journalism for Indian TV channels.
This new-found format of journalism provides win-win formula to both the channel owners and the so-called experts invited to take part in these ubiquitous debates.
Channels end up creating hours of content without spending much money on otherwise expensive newsgathering exercise by huddling everybody under one roof. This is considerably cheaper option than having to pay towards reporters/cameramen to do meaningful journalism.
From the participating guests’ point of view, this format provides them the much-needed short fame on TV screens and if the channels are generous, they also end of being paid for their not-so-enlightening contributions.
However, the channels’ desperation to outshine each other with creating multiple windows in a bid to sustain this overly repetitive format has its own pitfalls.
As the exercise often emanates from desperation to fill the screens with relatively cheaper content, the channels often end up inviting people, who lack the required intellect, class and grace.
We saw how a so-called baba resorted to physical and verbal abuse to a lady guest on IBN7 not so long ago.
Saturday provided the similar ugly moment when Ashoke Pandit, who claims to be a Bollywood director but has no tangible works to substantiate his credentials, resorted to foul language and insinuation against a Congress’ lady spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi.
Pandit, known for yelling and aggressive behaviour on live TV, told Chaturvedi, “I don’t need a certificate from such third rated spokesperson because we know how these people have climbed ranks in their party.”
Pandit’s angry reaction was in response to Chaturvedi’s allegation that he had merely used the plight of displaced Kashmiri Pandits to further his political and professional ambitions. (see the video)
Pandit is now facing heat from twitter users for his ‘utterly obnoxious’ and ‘sexist’ remarks.
Journalist Nikhil Vaghle wrote;
Dear @ashokepandit,u proved today that u r not fit to be called a sane person when u attacked @priyankac19.Is this ur Hindutva sanskar?
— nikhil wagle (@waglenikhil) January 30, 2016
Rahul Pandita, himself a Kashmiri Pandit, tweeted;
How you address a woman is a reflection of who you are. Terrible, offensive, mucky language used against @priyankac19 by Ashoke Pandit.
— Rahul Pandita (@rahulpandita) January 30, 2016
Chaturvedi’s colleague and Congress leader from Jammu and Kashmir, Salman Anees Soz, tweeted;
After making vile comments about Karan Johar's mother, Ashok Pandit abuses @priyankac19 on TV. He is a total disgrace, a man w/ ZERO class.
— Salman Anees Soz (@SalmanSoz) January 30, 2016
Here are some other comments by twitter users;
The Same Ashok Pandit Who Tweeted this vulgar Tweet
Abused Congress spokesperson Priyanka Today!#ShameOnAshokPandit pic.twitter.com/McjQChAS6u— Vinay Kumar Dokania (@VinayDokania) January 30, 2016
Modiji knows BJP's Useless social media team is unable to scare with abuses. Now launched Anupam Kher & Ashok Pandit #DesperateMeasures
— Manish Baid (@manishkbaid) January 30, 2016
.@UrMalli Ashok pandit insulted @priyankac19 only after she accused him of baking roti on KPs genocide. Watch video. Then pontificate
— Nupur J Sharma (@UnSubtleDesi) January 30, 2016
Ashok Pandit was the only member of Tolerance march who didnt get Padma.
Trying to garner more points by falling lower#ShameOnAshokPandit— Mehek (@MehekF) January 30, 2016
@priyankac19– feel like abusing ashok pandit ,but avoiding a knee jerk reaction to such abusive bhakts proves our ethical parental teachings
— CHITRESH GAHLOT (@chitreshgahlot) January 30, 2016
And you still want us to keep mum on idiots like ashok pandit and anupam kher https://t.co/uCa6Z8UOzQ
— #Elite_Blocked_Baba (@sunny_congress) January 30, 2016
