Interactive TV, reality shows, money, singing and dancing contests

To some extent it appears fair that "most beautiful lady" is chosen by votes on net or "Cricketer of the year" through SMS as people can judge beauty or analyze a player's performance by records .

- Is it OK to select singers, dancers, etc. through SMS?

Can you imagine what may happen if a person not knowing "ABC" of music or dance is asked to select a ‘champ' out of ten or twenty contestants participating in music, dance or other contest?

Which factors may influence individual votes?

I don't know anything about music except that I like few songs. If I am asked to judge a singing or music contestent, I will first see who is good looking and can sing or dance like a mediocre does. I'll also try to know which place he belongs to or which nationality he possesses. Then I will assure he belongs to a region or caste same as I do. Than I would like to know his language he speaks and several other things. In fact, I'll forget other things like contestant's talent in that particular field or area. Rightly, this is happening in India and other countries. There are several examples of TV shows held in the past and being screened presently on different TV channels around the world where contestants are being screened based on SMS from people. Is it correct?

Why Indian Idol or international singing Idol is selected through SMS from people?

Simple answer: TV Channels/Program organizers and telecom companies earn lot of money from SMS received. It's a matter of Rs 5-7 for an individual sending a SMS but organizers + telecom companies earn 4o millions if 4 million SMS are received. Is not this amounts to a scam?

What is role of judges invited to judge the contestants?

Simple answer: Nothing. They are invited to promote the contest. Few contestants are attached with these judges to get guidance and judges themselves (celebrities in their field) appeal to people to cast their vote in favor of their contestants. All judges give 10 points out of 10 to every contestant. In fact, winners are decided based on votes received through SMS. Why votes are not allowed through internet? No earning to organizers/telecom services.Success of these programs is gauzed by amount of money collected by channels (through SMS) and program organizers that's why all channels are telecating similar type programs and sequels are coming up.

Is it correct procedure for selecting a winner?

In my opinion and also in others not at all. Contestants are not selected by experts but by people who are literally illiterate in that particular field. Sometimes contestants adopt malpractices and even pay money to people for sending SMS. Several times right candidates are denied a place at top which they deserve in accordance to their talent.

What is remedy for the disease? No SMS

I guess lot of people will agree with me that selecting winners in any contest through SMS is not fair. Money spent for selecting winners may better be utilized if it is diverted towards treatment of poor people suffering diseases needing expensive treatment. If you agree with me, please don't waste your money making rich people more richer. If these channels are very generous why don't they contribute part of money to needy people who are dying due to hunger?.