The 6 PM Slot  (English, Paperback, Datta Naomi)

The book explores the no holds barred competition between Television networks as each seeks to improve their TRP ratings.

Summary Of The Book

The explosive growth of television channels has resulted in a wide choice in entertainment for viewers. Which also translates into competition to attract viewers to their own shows among the various entertainment channels.

There are only so many time slots available and the viewers are spoilt for choices. The channels therefore seek to grab the viewer’s attention through whatever means necessary. So, the focus shifts from quality to sensationalism.

In The 6 PM Slot, the author, who has experience working in the entertainment industry, uses her knowledge to weave a plot that gives the reader an idea of the tactics employed by networks and TV show hosts to boost the ratings of their shows.

After a brainstorming session, the managing director of Youth TV, a channel aimed at young people, decides to launch a new show, Love Calls. With a sexy anchor who gives out advice on life and love to the callers, the channel hopes to boost their 6 pm slot ratings.

Tania Shah, is a Supervising Producer in the channel and hasn’t had any luck yet with her career, and is delighted to be assigned to the new show. She feels that she has had her big break at last, and the success of this popular show could really launch her career.

The show begins well, but soon, the sexy host, Vrushali Salve commits a blunder. When she receives a call from a sick young girl named Jassi, dying of cancer, she treats her contemptuously and insensitively.

Rajneesh Tiwari, MD of a competing channel YNN, who is also a popular anchor, sees this, and gets the idea of turning the sick girl’s humiliation into ratings for his channel. He launches a show called Justice for Jassi, lashing out at the stupidity and insensitivity of the YTV anchor Vrishali, and gaining popularity for his channel by blowing the issue out of proportion.

About Naomi Dutta

Naomi Dutta is an author, script writer and television producer.

The 6 PM Slot is her debut novel.

Naomi Dutta has worked in many major Indian television channels like MTV, CNBC TV18, Times Now etc. She has helped create shows like The Foodie, E Now Weekend and Brand Equity. She now freelances as a creative consultant, and is now associated with many projects across various TV networks.