දේශීය රූපවාහිනී දේශපාලන සංවාද මණ්ඩප

Abstract

The formats used in electronic media to present content are diverse. Among them, talk shows—featuring discussions and debates—have long been a prominent program type, originating in radio before transitioning to television. Over the past few decades, these programs have garnered significant global attention due to various factors. However, in the local context, scholarly and industry attention to this genre has been relatively recent. Examining the factors that contributed to this shift and assessing the current status of television talk shows locally is of academic significance. Both economic and political influences have shaped the development of local television media, leading to the expansion of political talk shows. The emergence of private channels and the diversification of programming have played a notable role in this evolution. While political talk shows have grown in number, critical perspectives on their qualitative aspects remain mixed, with concerns raised regarding issues such as bias, credibility, balance, ethical standards, and state intervention. These concerns highlight the need for increased scholarly and professional engagement with the role and impact of television political talk shows. Despite these challenges, talk shows have the potential to serve as a meaningful and socially relevant format within the television media landscape.