I was never interested in watching these 'public talk' programmes in any language, forget about participating. I never understood why people or even 'guests or celebrities' participated in such programmes, almost making it a joke. The 'topics' are chosen intentionally to be 'entertaining' and not really 'informing', forget enlightening. On the other hand, it seems to be the 'only avenue' to get public opinion. It is probably a good way to get informed about topics that we dont even have much of an idea (maybe misconception) or opinion, say homosexuality or bull-fighting or agriculture. On the other idea, as often is the case, if there are topics like 'should women work after marriage?', 'should we live in joint families?', it is an easy guess on the 'output' with atleast 1008 opinions.
In India, I am not sure if there are so many DIFFERENT channels in one language as in the case of Tamil. I dont watch Hindi channels but from the little bit of it that I have seen and even looking at Hindi movies, I dont think they represent 'cross section' of the Indian public. For instance, one 'common' perception is that all Hindi speaking people are fair-skinned, which is nothing but a joke for anyone who has done an occasional visit to Bihar or to Rajastan or Maharashtra - like me. This common perception is being floated by the TV channels and the people they 'invite'. Let me not go too much into Hindi or other language channels, without watching much of it. Among Tamil channels, there is a clear differentiation in audiences for each channel - almost leading to the point where the viewership could be mutually exclusive :o One can easily discern by looking at the 'anchor's of different TV programmes. Sun TV, easily the most popular Tamil TV channel, not just across India but across the world still remains the 'representative' of Tamils. I feel that now they are moving towards catering to the 'upper echelons' of the society. Jaya TV was always elitist and brahminist - whether it is in its choice of programmes - one soap/serial 'எங்கே பிராமணன்?' ('where is the brahmin?') recently ended - anchors, invited guests, content etc most are English-smeared. Makkal TV - started by one political party PMK, probably with 'high ideals' is finding it tough to maintain the economics of running a channel, especially after it received a severe drubbing in 2009 National elections, where it could not win even a single seat.
Public talk programmes were always popular in Tamil, even when there was only one TV channel for the public - government run - DD Chennai now named 'Podhigai'). Public participation was often as 'spectators' and 'learned' people (mostly professors in colleges) were invited guests/speakers. In particular, 'patti mandram பட்டி மன்றம்' or 'debate' was often of two kinds - one on Tamil literature, more often Kamba Ramayanam and other on issues facing the society. In early days, even in latter, speakers used to speak predominantly in clear and erudite Tamil, quoting snippets from Tamil literature. Colloquial or local parlance was used more often to inject a 'humorous note' in a serious topic. When Sun TV started as probably the first 'private' channel in Tamil via cable TV, they had no pretensions of catering to erudite audience and wanted the 'public' to watch and 'enjoy'. So debates were clearly ones that had 'social relevance' - for example, who is more important - mother or wife? The audience also 'grew up' that it has got nothing to do with 'knowing a new perspective', so why not enjoy it? The speakers started and ended in a Tamil, that was definitely not 'erudite' but one that is heard in street corners.
The talk show started in Sun TV with 'Arattai Arangam' அரட்டை அரங்கம் compered by Visu and reached higher TRP ratings (viewership) mainly because now the 'public' can also participate and give a 'piece of their mind'. The other channels too followed suit - Visu later switched to ADMK (why?) and so did the same programme with a different name ('Makkal Arangam' மக்கள் அரங்கம்) in Jaya TV. Vijay TV all the while was not just brahminic but also Chennai obsessed. It is no wonder that their talk show நீயா நானா Neeya Naana, hosted by somewhat popular Gopinath, starting with much 'promise' fizzling out to abysmal depths. Today's topic was 'whether people should be emotional'. I never knew how any TV channel or anchor can stand on judgement on an inherently personal topic. Today somebody said that he didnt cry for his father's death. I didnt understand the point of why someone should say that in 'public' and even worse to follow, when people question/judge why he didnt cry. It takes all kinds of people to make this world. It is ridiculous to 'homogenise' people and expect him/her to react the same way as one 'expect's to. Some may cry, some may not. Some may like idli, some may not. Oft quoted quote - all fingers are not same - seems to be lost on all TV channels, these days.
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