In the present stage of the nation’s socio economic evolution, the role of the electronic media, (TV, radio, print and internet) has become critical.

The mushroom growth of private channels has unfortunately not been conducive to social harmony or a serious appraisal of issues.

Indeed, the growth of private channels is in direct proportion to the rise of the caste and communal temperature. The perspective of most programmes betrays a caste, anti rural bias.

There are many honorable exceptions too but even these exceptions are buffeted by market interest, TRP ratings. When Britain and USA surrendered their media to the market, these countries had reached adequate a level of egalitarianism, narrowed the gap between the rich and the power. We are still evolving society, mediating, economic, caste, communal, political difference in myriads of complex ways through the ballot box.

We are a power of the future in need of a purposive public service TV, equidistant from the state and the market – a truly independent media, free of all bias.

Happily, the Prime Minister has already taken an initiative in this direction. We resolve to persuade the government to set up this channel in the first quarter of 2007, to acquaint millions of viewers with the urgent agenda at hand.