CASE STUDY:
Recognizing that the media will not be interested in covering ‘small’ issues that involve ordinary people and their daily lives, several local groups have come forward to start their own media. Several people use community radio to tell farmers about the prices of different crops and advise them on the use of seeds and fertilizers. Others make documentary films with fairly cheap and easily available video cameras on real-life conditions faced by different poor communities, and, at times, have even given the poor these video cameras to make films on their own lives. Another example is a newspaper called Khabar Lahriya which is a fortnightly that is run by eight Dalit women in Chitrakoot district in Uttar Pradesh. Written in the local language, Bundeli, this eightpage newspaper reports on Dalit issues and cases of violence against women and political corruption. The newspaper reaches farmers, shopkeepers, panchayat members, school teachers and women who have recently learnt to read and write.
a) What is local media?
b) Who runs the newspaper Khabar Lahariya?
c) In what ways do local media prove to be beneficial for the society?
Recognizing that the media will not be interested in covering ‘small’ issues that involve ordinary people and their daily lives, several local groups have come forward to start their own media. Several people use community radio to tell farmers about the prices of different crops and advise them on the use of seeds and fertilizers. Others make documentary films with fairly cheap and easily available video cameras on real-life conditions faced by different poor communities, and, at times, have even given the poor these video cameras to make films on their own lives. Another example is a newspaper called Khabar Lahriya which is a fortnightly that is run by eight Dalit women in Chitrakoot district in Uttar Pradesh. Written in the local language, Bundeli, this eightpage newspaper reports on Dalit issues and cases of violence against women and political corruption. The newspaper reaches farmers, shopkeepers, panchayat members, school teachers and women who have recently learnt to read and write.
a) What is local media?
b) Who runs the newspaper Khabar Lahariya?
c) In what ways do local media prove to be beneficial for the society?
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Answer:
Local media refers to the news and information circulated at the local levels, that is, in a town or city. It includes the local newspaper, which are newspapers circulated only in a specific area. The local newspapers contain information only about the region where it is circulated. They may be weekly, monthly or yearly. Local media also includes the local radio broadcast, generally related to the weather and agriculture of that place, telling farmers about the prices of food and commercial crops.
Khabar Lahriya which is a fortnightly newspaper that is run by eight Dalit women in Chitrakoot district in Uttar Pradesh.
Local media plays a crucial role in society for several reasons:
1. **Addresses Minor Issues**: Local media focuses on minor issues that affect the general public and their daily lives¹. It usually starts in a local group. Some people use community radio to inform farmers about the prices of different crops and advise them on the use of seeds and fertilizers¹.
2. **Builds Social Cohesion**: Strong local journalism fosters social cohesion². It brings people together by providing a platform for shared experiences and discussions.
3. **Encourages Political Participation**: Local media encourages political participation by keeping citizens informed about local government activities, elections, and issues².
4. **Improves Decision-Making**: By providing timely and accurate information, local media helps improve the efficiency and decision-making of local and state government².
5. **Preserves Culture**: Like public libraries and local museums, local media helps preserve culture, educate, and engage in order to build understanding on important issues³.
6. **Promotes Justice**: Local media can empower people to stand up for justice where there is none³.
In summary, local media serves as a vital tool for communication, education, and empowerment within communities. It not only informs but also connects individuals, fostering a sense of community and shared identity.