  The relationship between television shows and social media has become
increasingly intertwined in recent years. Social media platforms, particularly
Twitter, have emerged as significant sources of public opinion and discourse on
topics discussed in television shows. In India, news debates leverage the
popularity of social media to promote hashtags and engage users in discussions
and debates on a daily basis.
  This paper focuses on the analysis of one of India's most prominent and
widely-watched TV news debate shows: "Arnab Goswami-The Debate". The study
examines the content of the show by analyzing the hashtags used to promote it
and the social media data corresponding to these hashtags. The findings reveal
that the show exhibits a strong bias towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP), with over 60% of the debates featuring either pro-BJP or anti-opposition
content. Social media support for the show primarily comes from BJP supporters.
Notably, BJP leaders and influencers play a significant role in promoting the
show on social media, leveraging their existing networks and resources to
artificially trend specific hashtags. Furthermore, the study uncovers a
reciprocal flow of information between the TV show and social media. We find
evidence that the show's choice of topics is linked to social media posts made
by party workers, suggesting a dynamic interplay between traditional media and
online platforms.
  By exploring the complex interaction between television debates and social
media support, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolving
relationship between these two domains in the digital age. The findings hold
implications for media researchers and practitioners, offering insights into
the ways in which social media can influence traditional media and vice versa.
