The Indian television industry has undergone a sea change in the last couple of decades. From humble beginnings to metamorphosing into an industry worth billions of dollars, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable. This blog looks at some of the key phases in the evolution of Indian television, technology changes, and the changing landscape of content creation and consumption.
The Early Days of Indian Television
State-owned broadcaster Doordarshan gave the country its first taste of television back in the 1950s. During those early days, a few hours of very limited programming would go on air each week, and such shows were largely educative and cultural in nature. The first-ever television broadcast was initiated in India in 1959, which introduced a new medium that, in years to come, would change the way people of this nation would look towards entertainment as a whole.
At this time the sets were expensive, and its viewership was limited. The programs broadcast were educational in nature, the ‘Krishi Darshan’ was associated with agricultural practices, and the ‘Chhaya Geet’ associated with Indian music and dance.
The 1980s: A Transitional Phase
The 1980s marked the age of metamorphosis for Indian television; greater and more entertaining programs were launched. Color television came into homes in 1982, and with that came a whole new perspective into the world of television. Show names such as ‘Ramayan’ and ‘Mahabharat’ broke all previous records of viewership and their viewer base catapulted to millions, plunging India into a communal frenzy.
It was also during this era that soap operas and other family dramas started taking roots and struck a chord with the Indian audience. Programs such as ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ highlighted contemporary family problems and Indian social issues and became the mainstay of Indian television. 1990s -The Liberalization Era
A sea change came about in the television scenario when the Indian economy was liberalized in the 1990s. The first private channels started to emanate, snapping the monopoly of Doordarshan. For instance, a host of new networks such as Zee TV, Star Plus, and Sony Entertainment Television introduced new types of content targeted toward different audiences.
Reality television also bit with the same force with private television channels coming out with serials such as ‘Indian Idol’ and ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’. Competition between channels mounted, and innovative programs along with promotional gadgetries were invented. Digital Revolution
Further, with the advent of the internet and digital technology in the 2000s, some other series of challenges and opportunities confronted the television industry. The era gave birth to a new crop of TV channels, with alternative viewing platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime that slowly started challenging traditional viewing habits by offering on-demand content, especially appealing to the young generation. This shift consequently caused conventional television channels to lose some of their viewers.
Independent filmmakers began to adopt digital mediums-web series and short filmmaking-usually bordering on experimentation with storytelling. The themes slowly shifted from family-oriented ones, with more inclusive ones tackling LGBTQ+ topics and other social concerns.
Social Media Influence
Social media today is a powerful medium for promoting a show and engaging an audience. Viewers can engage with their favorite shows and celebrities through Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook in such a way that a relationship is developed. This direct engagement has shifted the way content is marketed and consumed, placing greater emphasis on viewer response.
Social media have also spawned a new generation of influencers and content generators, expanding the entertainment canvas even more. Influencers generally hook up with brands and TV networks, therefore closing the gap between traditional media and digital content.
The Future of Indian Television
Indian television will see a very bright future with its advancement in technology and viewer preference. As this will further increase with the rise in a number of households with access to high-speed Internet, traditional broadcasters are compelled to adapt and create their own digital platforms to retain viewership.
Besides, the focus will shift to quality, not quantity. Audiences are increasingly seeking authentic narratives that reflect their experiences. This will continue to drive content innovators to find new ways of storytelling and formats.
Conclusion
The Indian television industry has grown to prove the fact that it is resilient and adaptable. From the outset of the 1950s through the digital age, television has portrayed societal changes and technological advancement. With this ever-evolving landscape, the most cardinal thing would be for creators and networks to keep up with the needs and preferences of the audience in order for Indian television to be relevant and engaging to future generations.