Quality nosedives as virality reigns

Among the 36 TV channels in Bangladesh, including BTV, few programmes manage to captivate viewers. This is a sharp contrast to the television dramas of the 1980s and 90s, like Nakshatra Raat or Kothao Kew Nei, which captivated Bangladeshi audiences. Media executives of that era prioritised quality over TRP ratings, and media professionals took pride in creating meaningful work, believing that quality content would naturally attract higher TRPs and ad revenue. Today, however, this dedication to quality has waned among many media owners and professionals, who now seem more focused on maximising profits with minimal effort and investment, often at the cost of creativity.

The rise of the internet has further intensified this trend, affecting not only television but also newspapers and online media platforms. Across nearly all media, the drive to go viral and increase watch time has led to a decline in content quality, as monetisation of social media accounts incentivises high viewership over substance.

To preserve the integrity and value of Bangladeshi media, it is essential for TV channels and digital platforms to commit to creating high-quality, independent programmes rather than chasing TRPs and social media watch time alone.

Ashikujaman Syed

Business Development Manager

Fuyi (Xiamen) Material Technology Co. Ltd.

Xiamen, China

[email protected]