Why are major Indian TV channels absent in northeast?

Major Indian TV channels are largely absent in the Northeast region for several reasons:

1. Economic and Market Factors: The Northeast region, comprising eight states, accounts for only about 3.76% of India's population. This relatively small market size makes it less attractive for major national broadcasters, who often prioritize larger markets like those in the north, west, and south of India4.

2. Cultural and Geographical Distance: The Northeast is culturally distinct and geographically distant from the rest of India, which can make it challenging for national channels to tailor content that resonates with local audiences. Historically, the region has been influenced by external media sources, such as those from Bangladesh, rather than Indian national channels2.

3. Lack of Infrastructure and Resources: The infrastructure for broadcasting and media production in the Northeast is limited compared to other parts of India. This lack of resources hinders the ability of national channels to establish a strong presence in the region3.

4. Media Coverage Bias: There is a general bias in Indian media towards covering events from more economically and politically influential regions. The Northeast often receives less attention unless there are significant events or crises, which can perpetuate its marginalization in national media narratives34.

5. Local Media Presence: While national channels are scarce, there are local and regional channels in the Northeast, such as News Live, DY 365, and Hornbill TV, which cater to local needs but lack the scale and resources to compete with national networks1.

Overall, the combination of economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors contributes to the absence of major Indian TV channels in the Northeast.