Srinagar, Dec 24 (IANS): Dozens of local TV professionals on Monday held a protest here alleging that authorities in Prasar Bharati were ignoring Kashmiri and Dogri language programmes and giving preference to Bollywood movies for prime time telecast.

The protesters alleged that the decision to give prime time slots to Bollywood movies was against the very spirit of establishing Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar and DD Kashir in 2003.

"Till a few years ago, DDK Srinagar was the main attraction for the people of Jammu and Kashmir for its popular programmes in Kashmiri and Dogri languages.

"Since, 2013, DDK Srinagar and DD Kashir decided to shift their focus from local language and culture to programmes acquired from outside the state.

"This transition has left thousands of J&K-based television professionals with no work and the culture and language of the state was also forced to take a backseat," a protesting local TV programme producer said.

The protesters said the shift in the telecast policy has brought down the viewership of the local DD Kendra.