ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash | EP-17 | Palki Sharma, Managing Editor, Network 18

TL;DR

Palki Sharma Upadhyay discusses her experience in TV journalism, the challenges faced by women in the industry, and the need for innovation and change.

Transcript

today a flop actor earns more than the top performing editor in this industry and we are all in the business of content people want to comment on your life on your family on your journalism if you disagree with me disagree with me on subjects don't make it personal men still get the wrong message a lot of time newsrooms are full of predators and so... Read More

Key Insights

• 💥 The entertainment industry pays more to actors than to editors, highlighting the value of content that attracts attention and engagement from audiences.
• ✨ Newsrooms still struggle with predators and some individuals who were let go for misconduct are being rehired, emphasizing the need for better measures to address and prevent such behavior.
• 📸 Social media can be a platform for both positive and negative interactions, with individuals demanding the return of a popular show host and others spreading hate and criticism.
• 📺 TV journalism is evolving, with news channels exploring different formats such as explainer shows like "Gravitas" that prioritize clear and simplified reporting.
• 🌍 There is a need for Indian news channels to invest in creating a global presence and telling India's story to the world, as global influence can have a significant impact.
• 📝 Anchors have varying levels of influence in shaping the storyline and content of news channels, with some having more autonomy and clear points of view that resonate with audiences.
• 👥 The media industry still struggles with issues of gender parity, salary disparities, and biased standards of appearance, highlighting the need for change and equal opportunities for women journalists.
• ♀️ Trolling and online hate can negatively impact journalists' mental well-being, and more needs to be done to address and prevent such harassment within the industry.
• 💪 Building a culture of empathy, support, and professional growth is important for leaders in newsrooms to foster an inclusive and empowering environment for their teams. ⏳ The return of a popular show host is imminent, with plans underway to build a new team and develop an exciting project in the near future.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were some of the reasons behind Palki Sharma Upadhyay's decision to move away from traditional debates to an explainer style of news presentation in her show "Gravitas"?

Palki Sharma Upadhyay decided to move away from traditional debates because she did not enjoy the acrimony and incivility often associated with them. She wanted her show to be more informative and less confrontational, focusing on making news accessible and engaging for viewers.

Q: How does Palki Sharma Upadhyay feel about the lack of growth opportunities and unequal pay for women in TV journalism?

Palki Sharma Upadhyay believes that there is a leadership crisis in the media industry, which is reflected in the lack of growth opportunities and unequal pay for women. She highlights the need for leaders in the industry to think big and invest in creating a better product and business model that values and supports talent.

Q: How does Palki Sharma Upadhyay view the role of TV news in covering international stories and engaging Indian viewers?

Palki Sharma Upadhyay believes that there is a need for Indian TV news channels to invest in creating a global Channel to tell the India story and take control of the narrative. She emphasizes that Indian viewers are interested in global affairs and that TV news should make international news more accessible and engaging for Indian audiences.

Q: How does Palki Sharma Upadhyay deal with the challenges of online trolling and hate comments?

Palki Sharma Upadhyay chooses not to engage with online trolls and hate comments, as she believes that responding to them would only give them satisfaction. She focuses on doing her work and resists stooping to their level. However, she acknowledges that such comments can affect mental well-being and that it is important to create a supportive environment for journalists.

Q: How does Palki Sharma Upadhyay believe the media industry can address issues of workplace harassment and the presence of predators?

Palki Sharma Upadhyay emphasizes the need for awareness and creating a culture where women feel safe and respected in newsrooms. She believes that leaders in the media industry should facilitate a change by empathizing with their team members, listening to their concerns, and taking action to address any issues of workplace harassment or the presence of predators.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Palki Sharma Upadhyay talks about her successful show "Gravitas" and the decision to move away from traditional debates to an explainer style of news presentation.

• She discusses the challenges faced by TV journalists, including the lack of growth opportunities, unequal pay, and the pressure to conform to certain standards.

• Palki emphasizes the importance of audience feedback and the need for TV newsrooms to innovate and adapt to changing viewer preferences and media consumption habits.