Crime TV pushes crime TRPs

Television has a tremend­o­us impact on society. As a communication medium, it can impact both negatively and positively. The negative impact may be more palpable especially on the gullible ones for whom television may be their only form of entertainment.

Within the ‘entertainment realm’ it is the crime-based progr­a­m­m­es which have enjoyed tremendous popularity among masses.

It all started with the India’s Most Wanted anchored by Suhaib Ilyasi. Following the tremendous response it garnered, others also began cashing in with similar progr­a­m­m­es based on true stories of crime. CID was first off the block and till date remain a hot favourite. Others like Crime Patrol and Sansani are also making their mark now.

The makers say that their intention behind these serials is to create public awareness and promoting public involvement in controlling the crime rate. However, the dramatic presentation of horrific crimes is also said to leave a negative impact on the people, if psychologists are to be believed. In effect, are the­se shows promoting crime ra­t­h­er than creating awareness?

“Not at all. These serials ma­ke our society aware of the crimes happening around us. This would not only help in getting justice for those who have been denied it, the social awareness they create is the need of the hour,” says Ara­d­h­na Dhar, a homemaker.


But there are others who hold views to the contrary. “I have been a regular viewer of these serials. These dramatised versions also instigate youngsters to take to crime, who think that they have learnt from the mistakes that other criminals committed and they will be able escape after committing the crime,” says Ravi Kumar, an employee at a call centre.

If, on the one hand, the efficiency of the cops and intelligence agencies - when they manage to solve gruesome crimes, creates a sense of se­c­u­rity in the viewer, he is also aware of how even an auto-rickshaw driver can turn out to be a serial killer, which instills a sense of fear. This is particularly true in cases of women and children who feel more vulnerable.

Blush Khurana, an animator, feels its all about balancing facts and drama. “Human tendency is to grab the negative over the positive. I have seen many homes where parents are scared of sending their children out aft­er watching these serials. The progr­a­m­mes can claim to keep citiz­e­ns alert but how will giving details of a crime, make people feel more secure?” he asks.

Clearing such doubts, the spokesperson of ABP news says, “The enactment of crime is for important stories only since visuals speak a thousand words. It shows how crimes happen so that you safeguard against it and not fall victim to it. Such programmes make viewers aware of what is happening on the crime scene to help them take better care of their families and themselves.” But don’t they also infuse new ideas into innocent minds? Think about it.