O P Sharma
This book on the role of the Press in tackling social problems is a well-researched work undertaken by two eminent media persons: Madhavi Ravi Kumar and DVR Murthy. Undoubtedly, the media has assumed great significance in shaping the opinion of the masses, especially in the democratic set-up and ultimately mould the suitable policies and programmes. Though the electronic media like Televison and Radio have sway, the print medium of newspapers, magazines and written matter are potent instruments of social and economic changes as also political upheavals.
Major social problems confronting the nation are availability of suitable jobs for youth, urbanization, caste frictions, corruption in the system, violence against women, drug abuse, juvenile delinquency and so on. While efforts by the administration and some Non Governmental Organisations are work but the role of the media, particularly the print medium of newspapers and periodicals is pivotal indeed.
How the Press in India is impacting on the social and other problems has been studied in-depth by the two prominent media personalities and put in this book under review? What methodology has been adopted in the scientific and systematic analysis in solving the problems ? What strategy has been evolved and designed for desired optimal results in the Indian scenario ? The book makes an informative reading.
Madhavi Ravi Kumar holds Ph D in Journalism and Mass Communication from Andhra University and also has rich experience in the field of Press. She has experience in the teaching of media too., WhileDVR Murthy is professor and Head of Department of Journalism, Andhra University. He has visited London on Charles Wallace fellowship to study the British Press. Both the distinguished media persons are qualified for undertaking the study of role of Press in tackling the social problems.
The two authors have conducted thorough study of some sample newspapers over a period of time and done scientific analysis. The findings of the research work are very revealing indeed and provide guide-lines for the media and also common masses.
The study reveals that the big Indian newspapers pay scant attention to small social issues and even the crucial problems facing the public at large. The main focus is on the political matters, even insignificant events are blown out of proportion while ignoring the critical problems of gender discrimination, in-ordinate delays, non-delivery of essential services by the administration, rampant corruption, high mortality and morbidity rate.
The Press has to help in ushering in a new climate of change for tackling the main problems and major issues so that the potent power of the Press is utilized in creating a new climate of confidence and hope for overcoming the hurdles in the way of rapid advancement of the nation towards peace, progress, stability and prosperity. The media, print as well as electronic, have to be deployed effectively and efficiently. The Press, which is watch-dog of public interest must play its due role in shaping the new society based on justice-political, social, economic- for overall march forward of India ranking high in the comity of nations.
” Social Problems and The Indian Press” is a very useful book which will be of interest to the media practitioners, budding as also veterans, academicians and general public. Its printing as well as get-up is of high order and the publisher too deserve a good word for focusing on this important aspect of the Press for tackling the pressing social problems facing the nation at this crucial period of history.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
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