Reality shows continue to exploit smaller towns
It all started in 2005 when Saregamapa Challenge 2005 saw an unprecedented number of SMS from Assam after Zee successfully sparked regional pride in the North Eastern states. Crores of SMS votes came in and Zee never looked back. Every year, Zee continues to highlight contestants from smaller cities and ensure that a handful reach the SMS rounds so that they continue to bring in the mullah.
Indian Idol saw Darjeeling and Sikkim vote in massive numbers for Prashant Tamang as he fought Amit from Meghalaya. Regions looking for national recognition continue to be emotionally black mailed into voting and SMS votes each costing between Rs.3 to Rs.10 keep flowing.
Good part is this self funded promotion has helped connect the smaller regions to mainstream India. Now people are aware that Assam and the North East have talented professionals. Though the national government did not do much in terms of funding and improving the areas, the self funded endeavors indirectly helped bring in a sort of recognition of existence for people in distant parts of India.