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Perseverance honoured
For a few people on this earth, even sky is not the limit. Same holds true for Zee News Programming Head, Alka Saxena. Honoured time and again, her accomplishments know no bound. The latest feather in her cap is the TV Programming Head of the Year Award conferred by The Indian Telly Awards 2003.
For a few people on this earth, even sky is not the limit. Same holds true for Zee News Programming Head, Alka Saxena. Honoured time and again, her accomplishments know no bound. The latest feather in her cap is the TV Programming Head of the Year Award conferred by The Indian Telly Awards 2003.
Her success story has been a roller-coaster ride. Having started her journey with a Hindi journal, Alka Saxena has come a long way to head the programming subdivision of Zee News channel. Undoubtedly, her charisma has added sheen to and has elevated the level of programming in the channel.
In a tete-a-tete with Geetika Jain, she reveals her innermost thoughts after the announcement of the award.
What were your first thoughts when you came to know that the prestigious award has come your way?
Hmm… I felt exhilarated, excited, thrilled and in fact it took some time for it to sink in.
How do you see your journey as Programming Head from time of joining till now?
When I joined, there were a lot of challenges to face. I tried to repair the sagging image of programming in the channel. Also, there was a need to infuse a new spirit in the whole set up. Having understood my initial task, I tried to identify the USP of my team members and utilised it to the hilt. To raise their morale continuously was my priority always. Infact, I involved myself with each and every aspect of my programmes. Now, I take pride in saying that I am proud of my programming team. They are quick learners, hard-working and innovative. Special Correspondent, The Inside Story, Pehal, Encounter, Cinema A to Z, are all very close to my heart. Every episode is a challenge in itself and we try to bring out the best on every issue. Having achieved all this, what are your future plans for programming and channel at large?
The world of media is expanding and more and more people are opting for this line these days. Even the expectations of viewers are rising. I am sure Zee News, as always, will understand the pulse of the masses and cater to them in the best possible way. We will provide the right mix of programming and news to our television audience. Programming has a lot of potential as a genre. I have plans to exploit this potential to the fullest and launch some new programmes early next year.
How do you assess your personal career so far?
Well, I have gone through a lot of struggle. However, the end results have been more or less satisfactory. The very fact that I managed to survive and thrive against all odds and reached this level gives me a feeling of contentment.
What were your first thoughts when you came to know that the prestigious award has come your way?
Hmm… I felt exhilarated, excited, thrilled and in fact it took some time for it to sink in.
How do you see your journey as Programming Head from time of joining till now?
When I joined, there were a lot of challenges to face. I tried to repair the sagging image of programming in the channel. Also, there was a need to infuse a new spirit in the whole set up. Having understood my initial task, I tried to identify the USP of my team members and utilised it to the hilt. To raise their morale continuously was my priority always. Infact, I involved myself with each and every aspect of my programmes. Now, I take pride in saying that I am proud of my programming team. They are quick learners, hard-working and innovative. Special Correspondent, The Inside Story, Pehal, Encounter, Cinema A to Z, are all very close to my heart. Every episode is a challenge in itself and we try to bring out the best on every issue. Having achieved all this, what are your future plans for programming and channel at large?
The world of media is expanding and more and more people are opting for this line these days. Even the expectations of viewers are rising. I am sure Zee News, as always, will understand the pulse of the masses and cater to them in the best possible way. We will provide the right mix of programming and news to our television audience. Programming has a lot of potential as a genre. I have plans to exploit this potential to the fullest and launch some new programmes early next year.
How do you assess your personal career so far?
Well, I have gone through a lot of struggle. However, the end results have been more or less satisfactory. The very fact that I managed to survive and thrive against all odds and reached this level gives me a feeling of contentment.
What drives you?
News and challenges.
What are your personal interests besides work?
I love to interact with under-privileged people and help them in every possible way. Elevating the deprived through whatever I can gives me solace.
Last but not the least, what is your most cherished dream?
(Laughs)-I will tell you when it comes true!