NEW DELHI: Well, the business of news is now taking on an entertainment hue.
Close on the heels of a NDTV show, which is a spoof on politicians, countrys subse tez channel has said that it too would be launching a show on similar lines, albeit with a difference. It would be not hard core news and current affairs show, but a satire on various news channels and news formats, complete with a `channel ID, signature tune and promos.
The new bi-weekly 30-minute variety newsmagazine, called JBC, would debut on 31 January and air on Saturdays and Sundays. And, if there is any doubt on Aaj Taks intentions, the choice of the host , Javeed Jaaferi, makes it all clear.
According to Aaj Tak, hosted, anchored and presented by the multi-faceted and versatile Jaaferi (whose dalliances with TV range from Channel V to emceeing various awards shows telecast on telly), the programme will showcase an array of "funny and original ideas" and it would be 'news' in true Jaaferi style.
"Jaaved is an extremely talented and versatile artist with an ability to imitate almost everyone. The viewers will see the politicians, personalities and happenings as portrayed by Jaaved. The USP would be Jaaveds ability to sense, personify, satirize, and to think on his feet. This would provide the programme an altogether new and fresh feel," commented TV Today Network CEO G Krishnan.
The publicly traded TV Today is the parent company of Aaj Tak and its English sibling, Headlines Today.
Speaking on the strategy behind this programming initiative, Krishnan further added, "JBC is in line with the innovations and uniqueness of programming offered by Aaj Tak and it would certainly attract more viewers. In future, we propose to come up with a line of programming that would touch the lives of our viewers in more ways than one."
JBC is being touted as a crack team of thorough professionals providing news from round the globe. Its like any other news show, except that Jaaferi and his team transform it into a one-of-its-kind entertainment show with inimitable talents drawn from theatre, television and films from different corners of the country, Aaj Tak explained.
Speaking on his role and the programme at a press conference here today, Jaaferi said, "Its a great feeling to be associated with the market leader Aaj Tak, and touch the lives of millions of viewers."
JBC will not only spoof the news, news channels (meaning competitors of Aaj Tak) and related formats, but the package would be rounded off by sections like Madvertising, teleshopping out-breaks and public disservice messages.
