Constructing images, highlighting social discords: study of a television reality show in India, Satyamev Jayate

In today's world where communication is fast changing and the various forms of communication are dwelling into the lives of the people. People have started increasingly depending upon television to look up for not only entertainment per say, but also as a means to satisfy their informative and affective needs. The study is an attempt to gain insights into the impact the various television opinion leaders can have in forming perceptions and modifying the mindset of the audience towards various social discords through a television reality show. Findings clearly reveal that the show Satyamev Jayate has brought some amount of change in the perceptions of the respondents. The various social issues highlighted by the show were very much present in the system. After watching the episodes, the message has been clear and has forced people to rethink over those issues again. Ruling the two-step flow model, the study calls for the presence of an opinion leader along with a well designed message as important factors influencing perception formation. And suggests that showcasing the messages alone will not help instead some organizational efforts at the interpersonal level like campaigns, series of shows and workshops etc. are required in order to reinforce the message and sustain them, gradually replacing them into adaptable actions by the members of the society.