Date:12/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/12/stories/2007101250100200.htm

Kerala

Viewer fatigue

Dance and music-based reality shows seem to have taken over Malayalam television channels.

With every channel competing to put their show on top of the TAM (Television Audience Measurement) rating points, there is no dearth of innovation to attract viewership, it would seem. Sets become flashier; the anchors overwhelm with their enthusiasm; the judges try harder at being humourous and witty and the contestants weep buckets as they bid farewell to their friends on the show.

In an industry where TAM ratings are its backbone and bargaining strength, these stunts might be the norm.

But the forced enthusiasm and orchestrated scripts of these shows are beginning to invite viewer fatigue, especially with a glut of shows that are similar in all aspects.

C. Maya