We provide news with responsibility & accuracy:Dinesh Sharma, Zee PHH

Zee Punjab, Haryana, Himachal’s (ZPHH) mission is to stand apart in the Punjab, Haryana and Himachal market where most of the channels are stressing on routine news and Gurbani. ZPHH is giving multiple options when it comes to impact stories, youth based magazine shows and religious content. A channel built on local insights has strength of conceptualizing and executing exclusive and distinctive properties and thus stands out as a true regional news channel for the region. The channel primarily targets age group of 15+, who are engrossed with the daily routing work; and have high aspirations and expectations from life. It is a platform that proudly promotes and showcases the blend of infotainment and Regional News

In infotainment section magazine shows like Direct with Dinesh - An interview based show with top politicians of the region, Sikh Achievers, Movie Masti Magic, Sada Tashan and many more have received amazing response from its viewers.

On the upcoming episode of Direct with Dinesh featuring Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal, Dinesh Sharma, Editor & Channel Head at Zee Punjab  Haryana Himachal says, “People of Punjab are waiting to watch interview of Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal who is also President of Akali Dal. Owing to the recent developments in State after the Sikh sacrilege incidents, some peculiarities have emerged. People want to know what the present Government is doing to curb these incidents, whether those steps are appropriate and in right direction, so all such aspects have been covered. Moreover since Punjab will be going for Assembly elections in 2017, what the Agenda of the Government will be, his thoughts about the opposition parties of the state and who according to him is the main threat for the Akali Dal will also be topic of discussion.

On his vision he adds, “My vision is not merely to establish Zee PHH but Zee Media as a whole ‘Har Ghar ki Awaz’ in the region. As we have been covering issues related to the common man on ZEE PPH, we have received great response from every section of the society be it urban or the rural areas. TV is a dynamic medium. News is even more dynamic. We see Zee media growing from strength to strength serving our audiences, expanding our footprint to touch more people while keeping ourselves relevant to their lives. Basics are very important when it comes to news.”

He further states, “I started my career in Electronic Media in March 1998 with Zee News and Zee News was the first in Media to launch a 24 hours news channel, so I have seen it growing over the years. I can say people rely on Zee Media as they perceive us to be the channel that provides news with responsibility and accuracy, and hence considered as one of the credible groups.”

When asked about the way news has evolved over the years, he adds, “News has evolved a lot over the years as I started as a Reporter and with time did many big stories with in-depth analysis across beats like Political, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Intelligence Agencies. I have been focusing on investigative journalism with accuracy and have developed credibility over the years. So this has helped me immensely and I say this with immense pride that since last year, people of the region have started trusting us a lot and we have become the Voice of the region. I always share with my colleagues the importance of facts and figures in Reporting, the imperative need for accuracy before any news goes on air and I hold in great regard the requirement of making documents on big stories. Irrespective of news is big or small, getting facts right is very essential. Also, one should always remember to balance interesting, changing content with a quality presentation. The inherent value of content is realised in its presentation, and likewise, the importance of presentation rests in the ability to deliver the right content, in the right way, to the right audience.”

The channel uses a planned methodology and strategy for getting to the bottom of the news. He informs, “There's a very famous quote -"If you don't know where you're going you'll end up somewhere else". Hence, it implies that those who think ahead, develop a plan and do in-depth research have better chance of reaching their destination than those who are merely "winging it". Hence, I always consider the following while preparing for my interviews.” Hence he takes the following steps while preparing for his interview:

A) Get the guests involved in the interview as soon as possible, B) Before asking about controversial matters first ask about some facts. With this approach, a person can more easily engage in the interview before warming up to more personal matters, C). Intersperse fact-based questions throughout the interview to avoid long lists of fact-based questions, which tends to leave one disengaged, D). Ask questions about the present before questions about the past or future. It's usually easier for them to talk about the present and then work into the past or future.

He also stresses that all kind of research is important depending how one attracts them towards the channel.

He believes that audience feedback is the key as the audience make an editor/journalist work credible. He says, “Ignoring audience feedback today is like cooking without herbs and seasoning. Even a single letter or a mail to the editor can be fascinating and illuminating artefact. Independent of the opinion expressed therein, one can learn a lot from studying a unique piece of feedback. A new level of audience responsiveness is now being incorporated into the DNA of contemporary news work. Increasing use of social media tools and writing in an online environment, both gives the audience an opportunity to engage with editors and journalists with more immediacy.”

He concludes, “Age does not impact people's attentiveness to various news topics. Even the youngest adults are likely to pay attention to news on topics like business, politics, social issues, and foreign affairs as older adults.”  Key is to provide them accurate information, based on in-depth research and connect with them right."