Two Indian broadcasting professionals have made it to the One World Broadcasting Trust’s fellowships for October – November 2002, from among 120 entries received globally.

Doordarshan Mumbai station director Mukesh Sharma and Aaj Tak south India bureau chief Jayashree Balasubramanian have been selected for the organisation’s fellowships this season from six shortlisted finalists. The OWBT helps advance public understanding of global development issues through creative and collaborative use of media. The Trust’s annual fellowships are an opportunity for top professionals from developing country broadcasters to meet their counterparts in the UK, and share ideas, problems, frustrations and hopes, says the official website.

While Sharma has been instrumental in turning around DD Mumbai’s fortunes after taking charge as station director two years ago, Balasubramanian has been involved in television journalism for over seven years. Making the most of technology, effectively working with deadlines, creating new ways of presenting news and building a better work environment – my interest is in studying how various companies manage these various aspects of the industry, and the innovative and interesting strategies they use, she says.

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Sharma on his part says, “I am of the opinion that the power of television lies in its value as a common reference point for millions of people. TV, I feel, has the power to unite us just as it can divide us. We as citizens can be united through Public Service Broadcasting, or divided through the niche marketing of hundreds of commercial channels.”