State, Market and Freedom of Expression

The shift from the state-controlled media where the Doordarshan was the sole player in the field with a total monopoly to the opening of the media to private channels, was accompanied by the shift to the market, and global capital spearheaded and guided by the state. What has changed as a consequence of the shift? Today when older and newer processes of development have created an intensely transitional moment, is it possible that TV is providing a means by which these transitions are being bridged? This article examines some issues by examining three main segments of TV programmes: advertisements, serials and news with special reference to women.