Facebook users decide Asianet News' flagship show topic; on-air drama follows
Synopsis
In presumably a first in Indian news television, Asianet News invited viewers to decide the day's topic for the channel's flagship News Hour discussion show.
On Thursday morning, the Channel appealed to its viewers and three million Facebook subscribers to send in suggestions to decide the day's topic for the 8pm News Hour.
" Unfortunately, for most of the television shows, we decide the topic and the guests and the people have to either watch it, surf on to other channel or switch off the television set. It also got reflected in the viewership pattern also. We noticed it and decided to change it in a better way," Asianet News Senior Coordinating Editor and News Hour Anchor Vinu V John said. On the first day itself, the channel received good response from viewers.
Joining the channel's 3pm bulletin, Vinu V John said following viewers' suggestion, he will discuss India's performance at the Olympics. Adding a dramatic twist to the announcement, he admitted on air that sports is not his forte.
Surprising viewers and other journalists watching him at the News Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, while on-air, he telephoned Sports Editor Joby George seeking his support for the show. Viewers could listen to their conversation before Olympics was decided as the topic. Of the 700 odd Facebook users who responded, majority of them suggested a discussion on Olympics.
Watch the on-air drama: