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Fist-fights in television studios, dwindling media autonomy, sensationalism, fake news, religious hate, abusive trolls, political spin … How did we get here? Three decades ago, before economic liberalization, came the expansion and privatization of Indian television. Technological innovation and easing of government controls offered the prospect of journalistic independence, artistic creativity and an empowered citizenry. This was rendered illusory by runaway growth and untrammelled commercialization. In that thwarted promise of the late 20th century lie the seeds of Indian democracy’s current crisis. Telly-Guillotined: How Television Changed India tells the story of how technology was usurped, first by propagandists, then by the market. Going behind the scenes of the world's greatest media explosion, this book describes the impact of consumerism on the newsroom, the shaping of a new cultural politics and the rise of a new politics of seduction. In a landscape of technological innovation, blurred boundaries and sensory overload, Amrita Shah paints a picture of the Fourth Estate's challenging future.

Contents: Preface. 1. Coming soon… 2. The big leap. 3. The middle class strikes back. 4. The new guerrillas. 5. Star trek. 6. The rath yatra. 7. Everything must go. 8. Love for sale. 9. Let’s play life. 10. The backlash. 11. Indians in blue jeans. 12. The age of infotainment. 13. Angry and addicted. Index.