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Preconference: Tryst With Democracy: 70 Years of Media in Independent India - Successes, Challenges, Interventions

Thu, May 25, 8:30 to 16:00, U of California - San Diego, RIMAC, 4th Floor Conference Room

Session Submission Type: Panel

Abstract

August 15, 2017, marks the 70th anniversary of India’s independence from the British, 70 years of functioning as the world’s largest democracy, 70 years of working together with 29 distinct ethno-linguistic groups and approximately 1.3 billion people or 17.5 percent of the world population (2016 Census of India). Indian media have come a long way in operating in a country of such depth and complexity. There are a multitude of successes and challenges that Indian media have experienced along the way. One of the great achievements of India is its free and vibrant press. There are approximately 83,000 registered newspapers and 800 television channels (Nielson, 2014). There has been unprecedented growth in internet connectivity and social media use. Despite these successes, studies of the Indian media frequently show how most newspapers and television channels struggle to meet the very rudimentary requirement of reporting news with the analytical depth that a subject deserves, without bias or deliberate distortions. The trend towards media concentration in India and its implications for democracy and ideological pluralism is also an unsettling aspect that needs consideration. In the intersections of such accomplishments and seemingly insurmountable challenges of the Indian media, lie spaces for interventions. This preconference focuses on theses spaces. How can Indian media continue to function as the fourth estate for the world’s largest democracy? How can problems of media accuracy be addressed? How can media help in transcending class bias and embrace their role in reporting and discussing the problems of the country in a balanced way? What are ways in which Indian media can benefit from non-profit ownership? Apart from the keynote address, and the topics covered in invited panels, the final session of the day will consist of informal concurrent roundtables around media and democracy in India - interactions, abrasions, collusions, and interventions. Invited keynote speakers will feature scholars and practitioners with expertise in Indian media and democracy and professionals from Silicon Valley with interest in Indian media market and their assessment on media and democracy.

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