TELEVISION
Television is a wonderful invention and gift of modern science. It was invented by John-L-Baird of London. Now the television is in a very improved form. Moreover, video, tape-recorders and players are also now very common. All these represent a revolution in the field of electronics and entertainment.
With the help of television sets we can see various kinds of programmes at home in a relaxed mood and manner. It has brought stage and cinema into our drawing rooms. It is also known as the small screen. Its popularity is now well-known. As a means of education, information and entertainment, it is very powerful. There is no other means so cheap, powerful and popular as television. It caters to the tastes of people of all ages and callings.
One can sit back in the comfort of one’s drawing-room and select a programme of one’s choice. A whole world of education, information and entertainment is before a viewer to choose from. There are special programmes for special fields and activities, all the 24 hours of the day and night. It has also revolutionized advertisement, business and shopping.
Besides Doordarshan, there are other channels like Metro, Star Plus, Prime Sports, Channel 5, Zee TV, B.B.C., C.N.N., Jain TV etc. And a few more worlds are added soon. Serials like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Bharat-Ek-Khoj, Junoon, etc., have been very popular on T.V. It has replaced cinema to a great extent. Then there are television lessons for all the levels of students from primary to university. It has helped a lot in the spread of education and removal of ignorance and superstitions. The concept of open-university education has got a tremendous boost because of it. It has brought the university and college education to people’s homes and doorsteps.
Television has become a part of our daily life. People spend many hours daily viewing television programmes. Its reach is very wide. Even in rural and far flung areas, it is now common and popular. There are programmes for the youth, women, rural population, farmers, traders, businessmen, sports-lovers and music lovers. M.T.V is popular among young lovers of music of western style. There are also cartoon films and other programmes for children.
Television was started in India in 1959 on a very modest scale. There was only an hour’s programme twice a week. Now Doordarshan has grown into one of the biggest networks. About 85% of India’s population now enjoys television viewing. Cable television has further helped the popularity of television.