Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Briefly introduce the McBride Commission, including its establishment by UNESCO in 1977.
- State the significance of the Commission in the context of media and development.
2. Aims and Objectives of the McBride Commission
- Outline the key aims and objectives, breaking them down into specific points:
- Communication and Information Flow: Study issues related to communication and the free flow of information.
- Cultural Diversity: Promote understanding and cooperation among nations through media.
- Media Ownership: Assess the impact of media concentration on information diversity.
- Communication for Development: Explore the relationship between communication and development, advocating for its use in development efforts.
3. India’s Position on the McBride Commission
- Discuss India’s support for the Commission and its objectives:
- Endorsement of cultural diversity and international cooperation through media.
- Advocacy for better access to communication technologies.
- Mention India’s reservations regarding certain recommendations about media ownership and regulation, emphasizing that such decisions should be made by individual countries.
4. Conclusion
- Summarize the Commission’s aims and India’s supportive yet cautious stance.
- Highlight India’s commitment to balancing media freedom with the need for regulation in the global media landscape.
Relevant Facts for the Answer
- Establishment: The McBride Commission was established by UNESCO in 1977 to examine the relationship between mass media and the process of development (Source: UNESCO Official Reports).
- Free Flow of Information: One of the Commission’s main goals is to ensure the free flow of information across borders, vital for global communication (Source: UNESCO).
- Cultural Diversity: The Commission emphasized the importance of media in promoting cultural diversity and international understanding (Source: McBride Commission Report).
- Media Concentration: The Commission raised concerns about the concentration of media ownership leading to a lack of diversity in perspectives (Source: UNESCO Reports).
- Communication for Development: The Commission advocated for the use of communication technologies to support developmental goals in various nations (Source: UNESCO Publications).
- India’s Support: India actively participated in the Commission’s discussions and supported its recommendations for cultural diversity and communication access (Source: Indian Government Statements).
- Regulation Concerns: India expressed reservations over recommendations regarding media regulation, arguing that such measures should be determined by individual nations (Source: Indian Media Policy Papers).
By following this roadmap and incorporating the relevant facts, the answer can be structured effectively to address the question concerning the McBride Commission and India’s position.
Aims and Objectives of the McBride Commission
Introduction
The McBride Commission, officially known as the International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems, was established by UNESCO in 1977 under the chairmanship of Sean MacBride. The Commission’s report, “Many Voices, One World” (1980), aimed to address global communication disparities.
Objectives of the McBride Commission
India’s Position
India has supported the Commission’s objectives, emphasizing media diversity and the need for equitable information flow. India acknowledges the importance of a pluralistic media environment and has advocated for policies that enhance media freedom while addressing the challenges posed by global media monopolies. However, India also faces challenges related to balancing media freedom with national security concerns and ensuring that media reforms align with its democratic values and regulatory frameworks.
Conclusion
The McBride Commission’s recommendations continue to influence global communication policies, with India playing an active role in supporting its aims while navigating the complexities of its media landscape.
Model Answer
Introduction
The McBride Commission, established by UNESCO in 1977, was tasked with exploring the relationship between mass media and development. It aimed to advocate for a new world information order that prioritized the needs of developing countries within the global media landscape.
Aim and Objectives of the McBride Commission
India’s Position on the McBride Commission
India was a strong supporter of the McBride Commission and actively participated in its discussions. The country endorsed the Commission’s recommendations aimed at promoting cultural diversity and international cooperation through media channels.
India also championed the need for greater access to communication technologies and emphasized the role of communication in developmental initiatives. However, India expressed reservations regarding some recommendations related to media ownership and regulation, advocating that such decisions should rest with individual nations rather than being imposed externally.
Conclusion
The McBride Commission sought to address the media concentration and information disparities between developed and developing countries. While India supported its objectives, it raised concerns about excessive state control over media. India remains committed to promoting media freedom and fostering a more equitable global media landscape, striving for a balance between government regulation and market dynamics.