The landscape of Kannada television has undergone a profound transformation, moving from the single-channel era of Doordarshan to the fragmented, on-demand world of today. For industry veterans like B Suresh, this journey represents more than just technological advancement; it's a story of shifting creative control, changing audience habits, and the gradual erosion of a unique, collaborative working culture that once defined the medium.
The Doordarshan Era: A Democratic Training Ground
In the 1980s and 1990s, Doordarshan was not just a broadcaster but a cultural classroom. With only one channel available, it became a democratic space that offered immense creative freedom alongside limited platforms. This environment served as a crucial training ground for an entire generation of Kannada creators. Notable figures like T N Seetharam and P Sheshadri emerged from this ecosystem, building a credibility that many still carry forward.
The financial models of that time fostered variety and experimentation. Creators could choose from sponsored serials for risk-takers, contractual productions for stability, and royalty-based programmes for those focused purely on content. This diversity allowed writers, directors, and producers to experiment, fail, learn, and ultimately find their authentic voices without the relentless pressure of immediate ratings.
The Private Channel Revolution and Loss of Control
The arrival of private channels shattered the monopoly, multiplying one channel into many. While this promised greater choice, it ushered in intense competition for viewer space. The sponsored serial model virtually disappeared, leaving only royalty and contract systems, both of which imposed new creative limitations. Kannada television gained scale and reach but lost intimacy and shared responsibility.
The most significant casualty was creative control. Decision-making power shifted from writers and directors to channel executives and corporate offices. Content choices are now dictated by a system obsessed with ratings, market share, and numbers, fundamentally reshaping Kannada television through corporatisation.
Technology Reshapes Viewing and Storytelling
Audience engagement evolved dramatically with technology. Viewers transitioned from having no television to cable, then dish antennas, and now the internet. The cherished ritual of appointment viewing vanished. Stories are no longer crafted for a specific 8 pm slot but for consumption at any time.
This shift has directly impacted narrative structure. Episodes were once carefully built around three major moments—the first break, the second break, and a closing hook to ensure viewers returned the next day. Today, with shorter attention spans, a dramatic high point is needed every ninety seconds. Serial storytelling has fragmented into a chain of micro-episodes in a constant battle for fleeting attention.
The Lost Family Culture and an Uncertain Future
Beyond storytelling, veterans mourn the loss of a unique working culture. The early days, despite chaotic schedules and long hours, fostered a personal, family-like atmosphere on sets. People shared food, looked out for each other, and grew together through creative collaboration. Work felt intimate and collective.
In contrast, today's industry is more professional, efficient, and large-scale, but it is also more transactional and individualistic. As Kannada television continues to adapt to OTT platforms and changing audiences, a critical question remains: What has been gained in efficiency, and what has been quietly left behind in the pursuit of scale? The core belief endures: while technology changes how we watch, it should not entirely dictate how we tell our stories.
