Nirvanika Singh
Media Aur Bazar
Editor: Dr. Vartika Nanda
Year: 2007
Publisher: Samayik Books
Dr. Vartika Nanda, through being richly persuasive and in possession of unmatched scholarship, brings a riveting and edifying take on topics hitherto pushed into oblivion: how economic pressures and commercialization (of media channels) continue to influence the news that we see today.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
This book provides a comprehensive explanation and analysis of the functioning of Indian media under the growing influence of markets and corporations. It gives a detailed account of various issues pertaining to media, that are driven by commercial interests. This book contends that not only in India, but throughout the world, the existence of free press or independent media exists in harmony with the “bazar”. However, the problem arises when these two entities intersect with each other, overstep their jurisdictions and violate prevalent norms in accordance with their respective conveniences.
THE EDITOR’S DILEMMA
The tragedy, according to the editor of the book is that the market or the “bazar” has forced modern media channels to constantly change themselves in order to attract advertisements and to stay relevant. In today’s competitive environment, it seems as if the market has a monopoly on the truth. The narrative set by the “bazar” holds much more importance in comparison to the facts that need to be announced. The book consists of numerous hard-hitting quotes that force the reader to cogitate upon the opportunistic intermingling of media and the corporate sector. One such quote, is as follows: FOREWORD—
इससे बड़ा झूठ और क्या होगा
गाँव में सूखा है और ख़बर में पानी है
In this light, the book delineates the pernicious trajectory of invasive commercialisation and its perceivably lingering consequences for ‘independent’ media. At the same time, the book does not in any way suggest a dissociation of media and bazar. It advocates for a principled distance between the two.
THE BOOK’S UNIQUE SELLING POINT
What adds to the overall appeal and significance of the book, is the collection of writings by 9 other eminent intellectuals in the field of journalism. Only a few have the capability to combine the vision of a journalistic liberation, with the exact knowledge needed for a precise and workable paradigm shift to deconstruct this ongoing submission.
RELEVANCE AND PURPOSE
The range and depth as well as the brilliant arguments set forth by the numerous contributors in this book, make it an essential treatise for students of journalism and media practitioners alike. It is a fine blend of the media industry and academia that has incorporated balanced inputs from media practitioners and academicians. This book is a compendium of profound insights and is an essential read for those interested in understanding the contemporary media situation.
By Nirvanika Singh
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