Communication Technology, Media Policy and National Development

The exponential growth in media, particularly in electronic and satellite communication and the rapid advances in communication technology, witnessed during the recent years has changed the media landscape as never before. The proliferation of new information and media technologies has brought about fundamental changes in several spheres of human activity-life styles, entertainment, work culture, modes of communication; and has also influenced social and cultural values in the society. An other issue confronting us today is the increasing compulsion of the media to submit to the market forces.
In the wake of these developments, the focus has shifted from development support communication to computerization and digitations, from rural communication to satellite transmission, from information to infotainment. The Contemporary media scenario bristles with a number of significant issues-convergence of computing, telecommunication and broadcasting technologies resulting in the ushering of Information Revolution, and its social implications; informatization of society and commodification of information are the newly emerging issues.
The book has been divided in three thematic sections: the section on communication Technology, looks at various issues associated with India?s Information Revolution and its social implications; the second section on National Media Policy analyses issues such as Electronic Media Policy, Prasar Bharati Act, Broadcasting Bill, press Council of India and Entry of Foreign Press in the country. The third section covers the core issues of nation building-Shifting paradigms of Development Communication, media Strategy for Rural Development, media practice with reference to National Unity, Literacy and Education, Environmental protection and Sustainable Development, and Women Empowerment. Finally, the concluding chapter looks at trends and developments presently confronting the media and in a way updates the contemporary perspective on various emerging issues.