I religiously watch News debates on satellite channels covering a wide spectrum of subjects : Politics , Corruption and Security related issues. The criteria of inviting the panelists has always been to me a riddle,inside an enigma wrapped in mystery .
Some participants are politically charged to the point of absurdity, generating more heat than light. Some attention - seeking TV anchors take pride in eating into panellists’ time. They must be held accountable whenever debates generate excessive acrimony and remain inconclusive. Some anchors behave like tyrants with frequent interruptions to the annoyance of panelists and viewers alike.
Arnab Goswami of Times TV ,has always been a delight to watch. His research is both intensive and extensive, constantly updated by backroom boys. An anchor par excellence,he is. He is at his best while slamming politicians and particularly while interacting with Pakistani guests.
Nidhi Razdan of NDTV (24x7) committed a faux pas recently while talking with a British journalist. She, in her naivete, did not sound comfortable with UK's invite to Modi to address the House of Commons. Her anguish got a quick retort from the guest. This was embarassing.
Comments about my favourite Barkha Dutt, are reserved. Ravish Kumar of NDTV (Hindi) is an icon, mature and unbiased. I am scared of Karan Thapar and his habit of speaking with hands. This was once objected to by Arun Shourie.
Among the defence strategists, Maroof Raza,Sushant Sareen, Bharat Verma and Maj General G D Bakhshi, are impressive. G Parthasarthy, K C Singh ,both former Secretaries in MEA , make substantive contributions to quality of debates.
Ms. Madhu Trehan has been my favourite since the “News Track” days.Matchless.
About the Congress spokespersons, less said the better.
I exercise my right to Freedom of Speech as a TV viewer. And,of course,without prejudice to anyone.