This paper analyses three examples of alternative media in India. These are "The Citizen", "The Wire" and "News Laundry". The main task is to show the advantages and limitations of alternative media compared with mainstream media.
Historically and conceptually the roots of media go back to the prophetic times and prophetic mission respectively. The prophetic times were a difficult period in the history of Israel. At that time the prophets were charged with a message to communicate. The prophetic role had a social dimension; it wasn’t purely a personal religious experience. On the one hand the prophets belonged as a religious model in the king’s entourage but on the other they did not refrain from castigating the ruler for their misdeeds often by pointed parables. They also performed their role as critics of the Israelite society. Prophetic castigation and criticism was to empower the ruler and the society and not to pull the ruler down and leave the society in tatters. Thus it was a very positive role. Historically and conceptually has the role of media been any different? Should the role of media today be any different?
But the concern the world over regarding mainstream media today is its big fall from genuine and even limited expectations. The concern of failure of not living up to the expectations of media’s role was there even in the age of the old media. Therefore the need for an alternative media was very much felt. This need was partly taken care of by Non-Governmental Organizations, their affiliates, and other cultural, religious, and social organizations. But there were limitations imposed by various factors such as scarcity of resources, state and government interferences and regulations. The post-truth nature of our world has influenced today’s mainstream media very badly. Thankfully, the age of the internet has facilitated to some extent to overcome the drawbacks of the mainstream media and provide an alternative forum. The present contribution is focused on how the online has synergized an alternative media that might empower the people in terms of information gathering and information dissemination. For, today information is power.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Clarifying Terms
- 2.1 Online
- 2.2 Alternative Media
- 2.2.1 Advantages of alternative media
- 2.2.2 Limitations to alternative media
- 2.2.3 Alternative Media in the Age of Old Media
- 2.2.4 Alternative Media in the Age of New Media
- 2.3 Mainstream versus Alternative Media
- 2.3.1 Characteristics of Alternative Media
- 2.4 Types of Alternative Media
- 3. Online as Alternative Media
- 4. Alternative Media in India
- 5. Alternative Media and Empowerment
- 6. The Three Sites
- 7. Theoretical Framework
- 7.1 Democratic Theory and Public Sphere
- 7.2 Counter-public Sphere
- 8. Methods
- 9. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study aims to explore how online platforms have synergized alternative media in India, focusing on their role in empowering people through information access and dissemination. The research investigates the characteristics of online alternative media, comparing them to mainstream sources. It analyzes the role of alternative media in empowering marginalized communities. The study also examines the potential and limitations of online alternative media in the Indian context.
- The role of online platforms in fostering alternative media.
- The comparison between mainstream and alternative media in India.
- The impact of alternative media on empowerment and marginalized communities.
- The advantages and limitations of online alternative media.
- The theoretical frameworks applicable to the study of alternative media.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This chapter sets the historical context of media, tracing its roots back to prophetic times in Israel. It highlights the evolving role of media, from its social and critical function to the contemporary concerns regarding the shortcomings of mainstream media. The chapter emphasizes the increasing need for alternative media to address these shortcomings, particularly in light of the post-truth nature of the current world and the limitations of non-governmental organizations in fulfilling this role. The chapter introduces the study's focus on how online platforms have synergized alternative media and its potential for empowering people through information.
2. Clarifying Terms: This chapter provides definitions of key concepts, starting with "online," which is described as a broad term encompassing digital information access and dissemination through internet-based communication technologies. The chapter then delves into the diverse definitions of "alternative media," highlighting its distinction from mainstream media in terms of resources and perspectives. It outlines the advantages of alternative media, such as greater social impact and local understanding, while acknowledging limitations like financial constraints and infrastructure gaps. The chapter further explores the historical context of alternative media within both the old and new media landscapes, contrasting its role in challenging dominant narratives and providing alternative perspectives to the public.
3. Online as Alternative Media: [This chapter summary would go here. Since the provided text does not include chapter 3 content, a summary cannot be provided.]
4. Alternative Media in India: [This chapter summary would go here. Since the provided text does not include chapter 4 content, a summary cannot be provided.]
5. Alternative Media and Empowerment: [This chapter summary would go here. Since the provided text does not include chapter 5 content, a summary cannot be provided.]
6. The Three Sites: [This chapter summary would go here. Since the provided text does not include chapter 6 content, a summary cannot be provided.]
7. Theoretical Framework: [This chapter summary would go here. Since the provided text only gives titles for subchapters within Chapter 7, a summary cannot be provided.]
8. Methods: [This chapter summary would go here. Since the provided text does not include chapter 8 content, a summary cannot be provided.]
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Alternative media, online media, India, empowerment, mainstream media, citizen journalism, information dissemination, digital platforms, social impact, marginalized communities, post-truth.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main focus of this research?
This research explores the synergy between online platforms and alternative media in India, focusing on their role in empowering individuals through information access and dissemination. It investigates the characteristics of online alternative media, compares them to mainstream sources, analyzes their impact on marginalized communities, and examines their potential and limitations within the Indian context.
What are the key themes explored in this study?
Key themes include the role of online platforms in fostering alternative media, a comparison between mainstream and alternative media in India, the impact of alternative media on empowerment and marginalized communities, the advantages and limitations of online alternative media, and the relevant theoretical frameworks (such as democratic theory, the public sphere, and the counter-public sphere).
What is the definition of "alternative media" used in this study?
The study distinguishes "alternative media" from mainstream media based on resources and perspectives. Alternative media is characterized by its greater social impact and local understanding, but also faces limitations such as financial constraints and infrastructure gaps. Its historical context within both "old" and "new" media landscapes is also examined.
What is the historical context provided for alternative media?
The introduction traces the historical evolution of media, starting from its roots in prophetic times in Israel, highlighting its shifting social and critical functions. It emphasizes the growing need for alternative media to address the shortcomings of mainstream media, especially in a post-truth world where non-governmental organizations have limitations in fulfilling this role.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview provides summaries for chapters 1 and 2, outlining the introduction’s historical context of media and the need for alternative media, and chapter 2's clarification of key terms like "online" and "alternative media," including its advantages and limitations. Summaries for chapters 3-8 are placeholders, indicating that the full text contains further details.
What is the theoretical framework used in this study?
The study utilizes theoretical frameworks of democratic theory and the public sphere, along with the concept of the counter-public sphere to analyze the role and impact of alternative media.
What are the methods used in this research?
The preview does not detail the research methods. This information would be found in the full text within Chapter 8.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Alternative media, online media, India, empowerment, mainstream media, citizen journalism, information dissemination, digital platforms, social impact, marginalized communities, and post-truth.
What is the overall objective of this study?
The study aims to understand how online platforms have strengthened alternative media in India, particularly their role in empowering people through improved information access and sharing.
- Quote paper
- Francis Arackal Thummy (Author), 2017, Online synergizing alternative media for empowering people in India, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/462812
