By Namita Bhandare

Freedom's Song
A sleeping leviathan awakens

Finally, it's anchors aweigh for dd. The problem is captain S.S. Gill's appointment hasn't been cleared. His future depends on the next government. If he stays on, expect "quality" programmes, never mind the ratings. If he goes, it's back to an uncertain future.

Swimming with Sharks
Surviving the channel shakeout

This is serious business for guys with serious money. The small fry get gobbled up by larger conglomerates. Mergers and acquisitions are the law of the sea: CNBC with ABNi, Sahara pumps cash into Home TV. The ad situation remains tight as the minnows struggle to swim ahead of Zee. Lay-offs, re-runs and cut-throat ad rates guide the current.

Go Desi
Local flavours work best

Recipe for fusion cuisine: One large conglomerate, preferably backed by dollars. Add local spice, but do so with discretion. Dubbing seldom works, but local anchors, Indian languages and -- most important -- Indian themes are sure to hit the spot. Global channels BBC, NBC, CNN, MTV, Channel V and Star TV will localise even more if they want to be watched.

Broadcasting Bill
Telling it like it is

Once a group of good men set down a bill that would govern a chaotic TV industry where there were simply no rules. That bill collapsed when the men did. Now, the bill springs up again to wrap its tentacles around prickly issues.

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