Newspapers and Television: Not Worlds Apart

Continued from Vol 01 Issue 22

Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah

Most channels today have a programme about published newspapers. To let the viewer know about the news on major newspapers is their main goal.  The latest version of such programme is on Channel i. At midnight, the programmes show the news to be published a few hours later in the morning. TV viewers get to learn the headlines before it hits the newsstands.
Channel i, ATN Bangla and NTV is based in Dhaka, thus they can produce such programmes. But, there was a time when these channels were based in Singapore or Thailand. They used to download Bangladeshi newspapers from the internet. Because of the time lag, in most situations, morning news used to be highlighted at night; the old news. Discussion programmes regarding newspapers was also telecasted on Ekushey TV.
TV channels around the around run programs similar programmes, called “Good morning”. It shows headlines of major newspapers of the world. While writing this piece in 2006, it is normal to have a TV programme with newspaper discussions. In the same manner, in 1964, not only the viewers but also the producers felt the need to have a connection between television and newspaper. Within six days of inauguration, from Pakistan Television (Dhaka centre) such programme used to be on-air, with the title 'Shongbadportro Porjalochona' (discussion on newspapers). From April 1965, the programme became regular. Producer was Mominul Haque and the host was Enyatullah Khan and Toab Khan.

Good Morning America

A young reporter from 'Shongbad' made a report on maket price. Discussing on the report on TV, Toyab Khan said that the report would've been better if it wasn't based on one market only. Rather the report should've taken data from a few other markets and prices of the previous week – it would've been a full report. Renowned journalist Toyab Khan's suggestion made such an impact that the very next day a bicycle was bought for the young reporter – so that he could visit several markets and create a proper report on market prices. In those days markets were open only in the early morning. A single suggestion from a TV channel was reflected on the pages of a newspaper. I find no hesitation to ask, do the journalists watch any TV programmes related to newspapers? If they do, is there any action taken?

A TV Show on Newspaper

In those days, not only between print journalists and TV staff, there was a strong connection between the artistes and the staff. Television producers had the privilege to speak to the president anytime they wanted to.
Once in May 1965, Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah came to the TV station to take part in a programme. Senior officer Monirul Alam came to meet Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah. During the discussion, they came to realize that they went to the same school. Putting his hand on Monirul Alam's shoulder, Dr. Shahidullah said, “Don't be nervous, we are schoolmates”. The truth is, by the time Monirul Alam was admitted to that school, Dr. Shahidullah already had completed his PhD. The intimacy between such an important figure like Dr. Shahidulllah and a producer was wonderful, and rare.
 

to be continued... .................................................................
 

The writer is Managing Director,Channel i
Translated by Zia Nazmul Islam