The UPA government has claimed success in winning the propaganda war in Jammu and Kashmir. A survey conducted by the government has revealed that less than two per cent of Kashmiris view Pakistani channels broadcast to the area. The survey also claims that an overwhelming majority watches Doordarshan and DD-Kashir (the dedicated Kashmir-centric channel of the national broadcaster).
The data revealed that the average percentage of regular viewers of DD Kashir was 33.9 per cent while 33 per cent of the respondents viewed it frequently.
However, the data revealed that the percentage of regular viewers of DD National stood at a dismal 12.8 per cent while 17.9 per cent viewed the channel frequently.
It also revealed that the watching of Pakistani channels was reported very low, between 1.5 and one per cent.
Sources said the sample study was conducted recently and covered 800 respondents in the Kashmir Valley in an effort to find out the viewing pattern of different TV channels. Youth between 15 and 29 years of age formed the majority of respondents at 50.2 per cent while 31.5 per cent were in the age group of 30-44 years.
Among the favourite programmes being watched on various channels, DD Kashir, the data shows, is watched for news and current affairs, devotional music, women’s programmes, serials and youth programmes.
The survey has revealed that the I&B ministry’s project to augment government communication needs in sensitive areas of J&K has paid off.