There was a time when Ramadan transmissions felt sacred. Families would gather quietly before iftar, the television tuned to soft recitations, thoughtful scholars, and calm discussions about sabr, zakat, and self-reform. The atmosphere on channels like Geo TV and ARY Digital mirrored the spirit of the month, simple sets, respectful tone, and religious depth. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt aligned with Ramadan.
Fast forward to today, and the transformation is hard to ignore.
Ramadan transmissions have increasingly become performance arenas rather than places of reflection. The focus has shifted from spiritual growth to viral moments. Instead of quiet tafsir sessions, we see dramatic confrontations, emotional stunts, and carefully staged segments designed for social media circulation. Take the recent controversy involving Dr. Nabiha during a Ramadan show appearance. What was meant to be a religious discussion turned into a marriage drama, sensational overacting that quickly spread online. The clip trended not because it offered spiritual insight, but because it sparked debate, outrage, and reaction videos. The sacred setting of Ramadan became the backdrop for spectacle.
And this is not an isolated case. Over the years, viewers have witnessed on-air marriages during Ramadan transmissions, surprise proposals, public emotional breakdowns, and competitive giveaways of motorcycles and plots. Charity, once a quiet pillar of the month, is now sometimes performed under flashing studio lights with brand logos in the background. The line between sincerity and showmanship has blurred. The pressure of TRPs has reshaped the format. Long scholarly discussions are replaced with short, dramatic segments. Background music builds suspense even during religious conversations. Studio audiences clap, cheer, and react as if attending a game show. Ramadan, a month rooted in restraint, is packaged as peak entertainment season.
What makes this shift more uncomfortable is the contrast. Ramadan teaches humility, modesty, and self-control. Yet television during this month often promotes spectacle, celebrity culture, and emotional manipulation. The louder the segment, the more likely it is to trend. The quieter the reflection, the less likely it is to go viral.
This does not mean every transmission is hollow. There are still sincere scholars and meaningful conversations happening. But they are increasingly overshadowed by the noise. The camera lingers longer on drama than on dua.The real question is not whether Ramadan should be televised. It should. The media can be a powerful tool for spiritual education. The question is whether we are honoring the month or exploiting it. Ramadan does not need theatrics. It does not need viral controversy. It does not need studio applause.
It needs sincerity.
If transmissions want to reclaim their credibility, they must return to substance over sensation. Because if the holiest month of the year becomes just another ratings competition, then the problem isn’t television, it’s what we have chosen to prioritize. And perhaps that reflection should begin off-screen.