Do Pakistanis Watch Indian News Channels?

India and Pakistan have a complex and often contentious relationship, yet there is a remarkable trend showing that Pakistanis are among the highest viewers of Indian government-run news channels on YouTube. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Doordarshan DD and All India Radio (AIR) have been reporting the highest viewership on YouTube for an astounding four consecutive years. This suggests a genuine interest in Indian content, particularly from state-run channels.

The Data Speaks Volumes

YouTube analytics reveal that Pakistan has topped the charts for viewership of these channels since 2018. This is a significant finding, indicating that Pakistanis are not only watching a considerable amount of content produced by India's public service broadcaster, but they do so in larger numbers than viewers from other countries. The list of top five foreign countries includes the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, and Bangladesh (some of which have a substantial Indian diaspora). In 2020, Pakistan reported 1.33 crore views, surpassing the US with 1.28 crore, and outpacing other countries such as the UAE (82.7 lakh), Bangladesh (81 lakh), and Saudi Arabia (65 lakh).

Curiosity vs. Censorship

While it is clear that Pakistanis are curious about India and are watching Indian news channels, the accessibility and freedom of these channels within the country are crucial factors. Although the Indian news channels are banned on cable, they can be easily accessed on dishes, much like in other countries where local channels are often piped through satellite connections. This tells a different story from the formal broadcasting landscape and reflects a more nuanced media consumption pattern.

Ambiguity in Content Consumption

While many Pakistanis may not openly admit their interest in Indian content, it is an undeniable fact. They are curious about how the people on the other side of the border perceive them and their society. However, the content produced by Indian news channels is often criticized for its unprofessionalism and biased reporting. Viewers from Pakistan might be looking for alternative sources of information to fill the perceived gaps in their understanding.

Unofficial Viewports

It’s important to note that not all Pakistani content consumption is regulated by the government, as is the case with ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence). Ordinary citizens across the border might follow Indian elections or important events just as Indians follow American elections, with their own versions of twists and turns, much like Indian cinema. The two nations have a history of viewing each other through a lens of competition and rivalry, leading to an intricate relationship in information consumption and distribution.

Improvement Needed for Indian News Channels

Despite the high viewership, the content produced by Indian news channels is not without its flaws. Some viewers, like those from Pakistan, argue that the behavior and presentation of news are overly emotional and childlike. For instance, they say that the way news is presented is too dramatic and lacks a balanced approach. An analogy used is that Indian news channels are often described as 'darti payas' (a humorous reference to the verb 'to bang' in regional languages), while a more realistic view might be that the news is being shown by a 'prankster' or 'naive person.' This suggests a need for more professional and credible journalistic standards in Indian news broadcasting.

The strong viewership demonstrates a need for improved content and a more balanced approach to media in India. As the two countries navigate their historical and political landscape, finding a middle ground in terms of media consumption could lead to a more constructive understanding between the two nations.