TELEVISION, which was originally meant for entertainment, has now been unjustifiably morphed into a news resource. The number of news channels exceeds that of entertainment channels, which has marred the quality and quantity of entertainment.

Comedy programmes, which used to enjoy prime time in the past, have received a severe blow in this changing scenario. Fifty-Fifty, Aangan Terha and so many other programmes used to leave people glued to their TV screens, but now meaningless talk shows rule the roost. They are comedy unto themselves in a way.

A few so-called entertainment channels are showing shallow stuff wherein shoddy tragic content dominates. Lack of artistic diligence and professionalism is predominant now in our TV plays.

Children, who are starving more for quality entertainment during the pandemic, bear the brunt of this neglectful performance of the local television industry. Children programmes and channels are hard to find now as cable operators do not cater to their needs. There are hardly two or three cartoon channels available locally. Entertainment punctuated with long nauseating commercial breaks on TV and cable channels have left our children and youth with no option but to rely on social media platforms.

Television must shift its focus back to its core role of providing entertainment. The number of genuine comic programmes should be increased and cable operators should be instructed to give due share to cartoon channels.

Infotainment programmes should be welcomed. Gone are the days of family get-togethers in front of TV sets. They should be revived.

Muhammad Nadeem Nadir
Kasur

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2020