Power of Television to Mediate Culture: Recounting Surabhi- Doordarshan�s Pioneering Cultural Show of the Nineteen Nineties

Dr. Niti Chopra

Volume : IV, Issue : XII, December - 2015

Power of Television to Mediate Culture: Recounting Surabhi- Doordarshan�s Pioneering Cultural Show of the Nineteen Nineties

Dr. Niti Chopra

Abstract :

This Paper recounts the backdrop and conception of Doordarshan�s pioneering cultural show Surabhi, which ran successfully on the national network for eight to nine years beginning 1993. The nature of programming content and reasons of its popularity are looked at. Discussed theoretically is the role of television in mediating culture, and how by its very character, television has a �real content� viewer relationship with the audience than it does with cinema or any other medium. The contemporary cultural programming patterns on television prevalent today are appraised and an outline of the plausible future delineated. In a digital environment that evolves by the hour and participation of audience made spontaneous by the touch screen mobile phones, the contrast with the scenario of a decade and half years ago cannot be more telling. And yet, the success story of Surabhi, attributed to the richness and texture of its content, remains invincible.