Analytical Study of Political Debates on regional television channels

Abstract

A high-voltage political drama was witnessed in Maharashtra in November 2019. In a sudden and unexpected move Devendra Fadanvis, and Ajit Pawar had taken the oath as the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister respectively on 23rd November 2019. This event not only caused anger amongst Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress but also raised many legal, constitutional and moral issues. Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) was claiming that they had the support of 156 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). However, the opposition parties had prepared a fool- proof plan so that not a single MLA will defect to join BJP.The situation was changing every hour and news channels were conducting discussions and breaking stories all the time. Sometimes, an official stand taken by political parties was officially available to the television reporters, but many times channels had to depend on their own sources. News channels were busy in getting the latest and the highest possible accurate information, keeping viewers updated and putting forth various sides of this drama. Around this time, Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress filed a writ petition against the Maharashtra Governor, Mr. Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s decision allowing Mr. Fadanvis to form government. Next 80 hours were full of arguments and counterarguments, allegations and counterallegations, strategy and counterstrategy. Covering such a super-volatile situation was a great challenge to media agencies and television news channels in particular. This research paper has made an attempt to analyse debates telecast on the following four Marathi television news channels: ABP Majha, ZEE Marathi, New 18 Lokmat and TV 9 Marathi. It tries to compare major issues discussed in the debates, arguments of spokespersons, and outcome of debates. It also studies anchoring styles and editorial stands taken by these news channels.