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English 336PrefaceTwenty four-hour news channels have proliferated in India as nowhere else in the world in terms of numbers. All that in a matter of a decade. Also, nowhere else perhaps news channels are operating as freely as in India with least regulations relatively. Their number has already crossed 150 and that number is likely to double in the next couple of years. There are many others lined up, awaiting permissions. Think of the scenario. That would have meant the theoretically leapfrogging of India. With that kind of growth of news channels one would have expected the reach of news media to be significantly increased and higher than what it is in fact today. Clearly, contents of these channels have not helped the expansion of TV in India as their contents are not commensurate with the needs and aspirations of people. What have been their overall contribution on the growth path of the country and in contribution for good governance and deepening of democracy?. By and large channels individually have not distinguished according to their potential. While on markets, brands and consumerism, contribution of news channels has been impressive, there is no evidence of such an impact in the context of social development and behavioural change and in the context of deep rooted issues. This book is about unleashing the potential of 24x7 news channels in India. It is not about news media. It is also not about television otherwise. It restrains from diffusing except where relevant in the context of news channels. The 13 chapters, under four sections, argue that news channels could change the face of the country if only they are determined to pursue their power and reorder their content priorities. The first section gives an over view of the larger scenario and the co