12 NCERT CBSE Sociology Mass Media Definition and Formsr
Theme Analysis
Main ThemeEvolution and Impact of Mass Media and Communications in India
Subject CategorySociology
Key Concepts
Question FocusQuestions primarily focus on the historical development, social impact, and contextual influences (economic, political, cultural) on mass media in India, as detailed in the source text. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding, cause-and-effect relationships, and the evolution of different media forms. Difficulty is mixed, covering recall, understanding, and application.
Which of the following best defines 'mass media' according to the provided text?
Hint: Consider the definition provided in the opening paragraph of the document.
Answer
The text states, 'The mass media include a wide variety of forms, including television, newspapers, films, magazines, radio, advertisements, video games and CDs. They are referred to as ‘mass’ media because they reach mass audiences – audiences comprise very large numbers of people.'
Explanation
According to the text, which of the following is NOT one of the key sociological aspects of the growth of mass communication?
Hint: Recall the 'Third' point discussing the nature of mass communication organizations.
Answer
The text explicitly states that 'mass communication is different from other means of communication as it requires a formal structural organisation to meet large-scale capital, production and management demands.'
Explanation
Who is credited with first developing the printing press using modern technologies in 1440?
Hint: Look for the name associated with the invention of the printing press in the 'Beginnings of Modern Mass Media' section.
Answer
The text states, 'This technique was first developed by Johann Gutenberg in 1440.'
Explanation
Benedict Anderson's concept of an 'imagined community' is used in the text to explain how mass media, particularly newspapers, contributed to the growth of:
Hint: Recall what Benedict Anderson's concept was linked to in the context of people feeling connected across a country.
Answer
The text explains, 'The well known scholar Benedict Anderson has thus argued that this helped the growth of nationalism, the feeling that people who did not even know of each other’s existence feel like members of a family. It gave people who would never meet each other a sense of togetherness. Anderson thus suggested that we could think of the nation as an ‘imagined community’.'
Explanation
In independent India, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru envisioned the media primarily as a:
Hint: Consider Nehru's stated expectations for the media in the early years of independent India.
Answer
The text states, 'In independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister, called upon the media to function as the watchdog of democracy. The media was expected to spread the spirit of self-reliance and national development among the people.'
Explanation
All India Radio (AIR) undertook a major countryside campaign for over 10 years from 1967 to popularize which initiative?
Hint: Refer to Box 7.2 regarding AIR's significant campaign in the 1960s.
Answer
Box 7.2 clearly states, 'In the 1960s, when the high yielding varieties of food crops, as a part of the Green Revolution, were introduced for the first time in the country. It was All India Radio which undertook a major countryside campaign on these crops on a sustained day-to-day basis for over 10 years from 1967.'
Explanation
The Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) was conducted in India with the primary aim of:
Hint: Recall the purpose of the SITE program mentioned in the television section.
Answer
The text states, 'Later, the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) broadcasted directly to community viewers in the rural areas of six states between August 1975 and July 1976. These instructional broadcasts were broadcast to 2,400 TV sets directly for four hours daily.'
Explanation
How did the media industry transform in the past three decades due to globalisation, according to the text?
Hint: Consider the profound transformations described in the 'Globalisation and The Media' section.
Answer
The text explains, 'In the past three decades, however, profound transformations have taken place within the media industry. National markets have given way to a fluid global market, while new technologies have led to the fusion of forms of media that were once distinct.'
Explanation
Despite fears of decline with the rise of television and the internet, the circulation of newspapers in India has grown significantly. Which of the following is cited as a reason for this growth?
Hint: Think about the factors contributing to the 'Indian Language Newspaper Revolution' mentioned in the text.
Answer
The text states, 'Second, the needs of the readers in the small towns and villages are different from that of the cities and the Indian language newspapers cater to those needs.' It also mentions the rise in literate people migrating to cities as another reason.
Explanation
A modern newspaper reporter now primarily uses which set of tools, reflecting technological changes in news gathering?
Hint: Consider the 'Changes in Newspaper Production: The Role of Technology' section and the updated tools for reporters.
Answer
Box 7.10 explains, 'The basic tools of a news reporter — a shorthand notebook, pen, typewriter and a plain old telephone has been replaced by new tools — a mini digital recorder, a laptop or a PC, mobile or satellite phone, and other accessories, like modem, dish and Antenna.'
Explanation
Which publication, started by Raja Rammohun Roy in 1821, is mentioned as one of the first in India with a distinct nationalist and democratic approach?
Hint: Look for Raja Rammohun Roy's publication mentioned in Box 7.1.
Answer
Box 7.1 states, 'Though a few newspapers had been started by people before Raja Rammohun Roy, his Sambad-Kaumudi in Bengali published in 1821, and Mirat-Ul-Akbar in Persian published in 1822, were the first publications in India with a distinct nationalist and democratic approach.'
Explanation
During British rule, despite limited circulation due to a small literate public, nationalist newspapers' influence far outstripped their reach because:
Hint: Consider how news and information disseminated beyond direct readership during colonial times.
Answer
The text explains, 'Newspapers and magazines either in English or vernacular were not very widely circulated as the literate public was limited. Yet their influence far out stripped their circulation as news and information was read and spread by word of mouth from commercial and administrative hubs, like markets and trading centres, as well as courts and towns.'
Explanation
When did radio broadcasting commence in India through amateur 'ham' broadcasting clubs in Kolkata and Chennai?
Hint: Check the timeline for the beginning of radio broadcasting in India.
Answer
The text states, 'Radio broadcasting which commenced in India through amateur ‘ham’ broadcasting clubs in Kolkata and Chennai in the 1920s matured into a public broadcasting system in the 1940s...'
Explanation
What significant technological development in the 1960s made radio more accessible to the masses in India?
Hint: Recall the 'revolution' in the 1960s that addressed the cost and mobility of radio sets.
Answer
The text explains, 'The major constraint for the popularisation of radio initially was the cost of the radio set. The transistor revolution in the 1960s made the radio more accessible by making it mobile as battery operated sets and reducing the unit price substantially.'
Explanation
The advent of color broadcasting during the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi and the rapid expansion of the national network led to what significant change in television broadcasting?
Hint: Consider the impact of these events on Doordarshan's programming and revenue model.
Answer
The text states, 'The advent of colour broadcasting during the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi and the rapid expansion of the national network led to rapid commercialisation of television broadcasting. During 1984–85, the number of television transmitters increased all over India, covering a large proportion of the population. It was also the time when indigenous soap operas, like Hum Log (1984–85) and Buniyaad (1986–87) were aired. They were hugely popular and attracted substantial advertising revenue for Doordarshan...'
Explanation
Which television program is identified as India's first long-running soap opera that utilized an entertainment-education strategy?
Hint: Refer to Box 7.4 which discusses a pioneering entertainment-education program.
Answer
Box 7.4 introduces 'Hum Log: A Turning Point' and states, 'Hum Log was India’s first long-running soap opera… This pioneering programme utilised the entertainment-education strategy by intentionally placing educational content in this entertainment message.'
Explanation
The 'gravest challenge' that the media faced in independent India, leading to censorship, was during which period?
Hint: Look for the period described as the 'gravest challenge' for media in independent India.
Answer
The text explicitly states, 'The gravest challenge that the media faced was with the declaration of Emergency in 1975 and censorship of the media.'
Explanation
According to Box 7.7, why is the music industry considered particularly susceptible to the effects of globalisation and technological change?
Hint: Think about music's universal appeal and how technology has changed its consumption, as discussed in Box 7.7.
Answer
Box 7.7 states, 'It has been argued that the musical form is one that lends itself to globalisation more efficiently than any other. This is because music is able to reach people who may not know the written and spoken language.' It also mentions, 'the Internet allows music to be downloaded digitally, rather than purchased in the form of CDs or cassettes from local music stores,' threatening the traditional industry.
Explanation
The automation of newspaper production, from reporter's desk to final page proof, has primarily led to:
Hint: Consider the benefits and changes brought about by automation and digital tools in newspaper production, as described in Box 7.10.
Answer
Box 7.10 states, 'All these technological changes in news gathering have increased the speed of news and helped newspaper managements push their deadlines to dawn. They are also able to plan a greater number of editions and provide the latest news to readers. A number of language newspapers are using new technologies to bring out separate editions for each of the districts. While print centres are limited, the number of editions has grown manifold.' It also mentions improved pictorial coverage.
Explanation
The launching of Star-TV in 1991 and the popularisation of CNN during the Gulf War of the same year signaled what development in India?
Hint: Recall the key events of 1991 and their impact on the Indian television landscape.
Answer
The text states, 'The Gulf War of 1991 (which popularised CNN), and the launching of Star-TV in the same year by the Whampoa Hutchinson Group of Hong Kong, signalled the arrival of private satellite Channels in India.'
Explanation
Transnational television companies like STAR TV adopted 'localisation' strategies in India primarily by:
Hint: Consider how foreign channels adapted their content and language to appeal to the diverse Indian audience.
Answer
The text describes STAR TV's dramatic adoption of localisation by 'producing a Hindi language belt of programming' and eventually converting to a 'solely Hindi Channel.' It also mentions other foreign networks introducing Hindi language programming segments or entire channels, and dubbing US programming for younger audiences, as well as launching specific regional channels.
Explanation
Privately owned FM radio stations, which began in India in 2002, primarily focus on entertainment programs because:
Hint: Recall the specific restriction placed on privately run FM channels regarding their content.
Answer
The text states, 'As privately run FM channels are not permitted to broadcast any political news bulletins, many of these channels specialise in ‘particular kinds’ of popular music to retain their audiences.'
Explanation
Raghav FM Mansoorpur 1, featured in Box 7.14, is an example of what type of media initiative?
Hint: Consider the unique, local nature of Raghav FM Mansoorpur 1 as described in Box 7.14.
Answer
Box 7.14 describes Raghav Mahato's initiative: 'It may well be the only village FM radio station on the Asian sub-continent. The transmission equipment, costing little…, may be the cheapest in the world. But the local people definitely love it.'
Explanation
The text describes the relationship between mass media and society as 'dialectical.' This means:
Hint: Recall the definition of a 'dialectical' relationship in the context of media and society.
Answer
The text states, 'Second, this help us better appreciate how the relationship between mass media and communication with society is dialectical. Both influence each other.'
Explanation
When was television programming first introduced experimentally in India with the purpose of promoting rural development?
Hint: Look for the earliest date mentioned for experimental television in India.
Answer
The text states, 'Television programming was introduced experimentally in India to promote rural development as early as 1959.'
Explanation
The text highlights that in the post-1990 period of globalisation, which entity played a key role in influencing the media?
Hint: Consider the shift in influence on media content and structure before and after the 1990s, particularly in the context of globalisation.
Answer
The text states, 'And how in the post 1990 period of globalisation, the market has a key role to play.' This contrasts with the state's role in the first decades after independence.
Explanation
Which All India Radio (AIR) channel became hugely popular for primarily broadcasting Hindi film songs on listeners' requests and later became a money-spinning channel for AIR?
Hint: Recall the name of AIR's popular entertainment channel.
Answer
The text notes, 'Apart from All India Radio (AIR) broadcasts news there was Vividh Bharati, a channel for entertainment that was primarily broadcasting Hindi film songs on listeners’ request. In 1957, AIR acquired the hugely popular channel Vividh Bharati, which soon began to carry sponsored programmes and advertisements and grew to become a money-spinning channel for AIR.'
Explanation
The Films Division of the government in independent India produced newsreels and documentaries with the aim of:
Hint: Think about the role envisioned for media in the early years of independent India, especially by the state.
Answer
The text states, 'The Films Division of the government produced newsreels and documentaries. These were shown before the screening of films in every movie theatre, documenting the development process as directed by the state.' It also mentions media was encouraged to fight oppressive social practices and promote a scientific ethos.
Explanation
The 'Indian Language Newspaper Revolution' is characterized by:
Hint: Refer to Box 7.8 and Box 7.9 regarding the trends in Indian newspaper circulation and readership.
Answer
Box 7.8 states, 'The most significant happening in the last few decades has been the Indian language newspaper revolution. Hindi, Telugu and Kannada recorded the highest growth.' Box 7.9 further supports this with readership data.
Explanation
The term 'infotainment' is described as a combination of information and entertainment, often adopted by newspapers. This reflects a change in reading habits where younger readers often have:
Hint: Consider the discussion in Box 7.11 about changing newspaper reading habits and the motivation behind 'infotainment'.
Answer
Box 7.11 explains, 'It has been argued that newspaper reading habits have changed. While the older people read the newspaper in its entirety, younger readers often have specific interests like sports, entertainment or society gossip and directly move to the pages earmarked for these items. Segmented interest of readers imply that a newspaper must have a plurality of ‘stories’ to appeal to a wide range of readers with varied interests. This has often led to newspapers advocating infotainment...'
Explanation
The text mentions the concept of the 'digital divide' from a previous chapter in the context of mass media. This implies that:
Hint: Recall the meaning of 'digital divide' in the context of access and usage.
Answer
The text states, 'Fourth, there are sharp differences between how easily different sections of people can use mass media. You will recall the concept of digital divide from the last chapter.'
Explanation
Fardoonji Murzban is recognized as the pioneer of the Gujarati Press in Bombay for starting which daily in 1822?
Hint: Refer to Box 7.1 for pioneers of the Indian press.
Answer
Box 7.1 states, 'Fardoonji Murzban was the pioneer of the Gujarati Press in Bombay. It was as early as 1822 that he started the Bombay Samachar as a daily.'
Explanation
The text notes that the structure and content of mass media are shaped by economic, political, and socio-cultural contexts. In India, this shift is very visible in recent times, with a changing role for:
Hint: Consider the varying influences on media content and style over time, particularly the state and the market.
Answer
The text explains, 'At some points, the state has a greater role to play. At other times the market does. In India this shift is very visible in recent times.'
Explanation
The example of 'The Rescue of Prince' (Box 7.12) is used to illustrate:
Hint: Recall the discussion around 'The Rescue of Prince' in Box 7.12 and the ethical questions it raised about media coverage.
Answer
Box 7.12 describes the extensive live coverage of Prince's rescue, noting how it 'created a national hysteria and concern' and also asks readers to 'look at this issue as a kind of voyeurism (peep into some other people’s private/intimate moments) indulged in by television cameras' and 'Is it an example of the positive role played by television media in highlighting the plight of rural poor?' The correct option covers both the positive and potentially intrusive aspects.
Explanation
According to Box 7.13, a key characteristic of a 'soap opera' is that it is:
Hint: Refer to Box 7.13 for the definition of a soap opera.
Answer
Box 7.13 defines it: 'Soap operas are stories that are serialised. They are continuous. Individual stories may come to an end, and different characters appear and disappear, but the soap itself has no ending until it is taken off the air completely.'
Explanation
Which event prompted All India Radio (AIR) to launch a 'talks' unit to put out a daily program in 1962?
Hint: Look at Box 7.3 which details how wars and tragedies influenced AIR's expansion.
Answer
Box 7.3 states, 'Interestingly, wars and tragedies have spurred AIR to expand its activities. The 1962 war with China prompted the launching of a ‘talks’ unit to put out a daily programme.'
Explanation
Initially, the products of the printing press were restricted to an audience of literate elites. What factors contributed to newspapers later reaching a mass audience in the mid-19th century?
Hint: Consider the factors mentioned that enabled newspapers to expand their reach beyond a niche audience.
Answer
The text states, 'It was only in the mid 19th century, with further development in technologies, transportation and literacy that newspapers began to reach out to a mass audience.'
Explanation
The text describes various daily activities involving mass media, such as listening to the radio, switching on television, or checking mobile phones. This illustrates the concept that mass media is:
Hint: Think about the widespread presence of media in various daily routines described at the beginning of the chapter.
Answer
The text explicitly states, 'Mass media is a part of our everyday life,' and provides numerous examples across different social groups and activities.
Explanation
Box 7.6 discusses the transformation of journalism in India from a 'calling' to a 'profession.' This change involved a shift from:
Hint: Consider the description of early journalism and how it evolved, including financial aspects and mission.
Answer
Box 7.6 states, 'Journalism in India used to be regarded as a ‘calling’. Fired by the spirit of patriotic and social reforming idealism, it was able to draw in outstanding talent... As is often the case with such pursuits, the calling was conspicuously underpaid. The transformation of the calling into a profession took place over a long period, mirroring the change in character of a newspaper like The Hindu from a purely societal and public service mission into a business enterprise framed by a societal and public service mission.'
Explanation
Besides 'Hum Log' and 'Buniyaad', which other indigenous Indian television programs, based on epics, were hugely popular and attracted substantial advertising revenue for Doordarshan?
Hint: Recall the popular epic serials broadcast on Doordarshan in the late 1980s.
Answer
The text mentions, 'It was also the time when indigenous soap operas, like Hum Log (1984–85) and Buniyaad (1986–87) were aired. They were hugely popular and attracted substantial advertising revenue for Doordarshan as did the broadcasting of the epics— Ramayana (1987–88) and Mahabharata (1988–90).'
Explanation
Like any other social institution, the structure and content of mass media are shaped by:
Hint: Recall the 'First' sociological aspect of media growth mentioned early in the chapter.
Answer
The text states, 'This helps us realise that like any other social institution the structure and content of mass media is shaped by changes in the economic, political and socio-cultural contexts.'
Explanation
The nationalist press in India during colonial rule played a crucial role by:
Hint: Consider the stated role of newspapers like Kesari and Amrita Bazar Patrika during the freedom struggle.
Answer
The text states, 'Anti-colonial public opinion was nurtured and channelised by the nationalist press, which was vocal in its opposition to the oppressive measures of the colonial state... But that did not prevent them from advocating the nationalist cause and demand an end to the colonial rule.'
Explanation
During British rule in India, which specific mass media form was wholly owned by the state, preventing the expression of national views?
Hint: Recall which medium was under complete state control during the British Raj.
Answer
The text states, 'Radio was wholly owned by the state. National views could not be, therefore, expressed.'
Explanation
Besides entertainment, what was a significant aspect of All India Radio's (AIR) programs in the early years after independence?
Hint: Consider AIR's role in the context of nation-building immediately after independence.
Answer
The text states, 'Since the media was seen as an active partner in the development of the newly free nation, the AIR’s programmes consisted mainly of news, current affairs and discussions on development.'
Explanation
As of the Annual Report released by TRAI for 2015-16, India holds which position in the world's TV market?
Hint: Recall India's ranking in the global TV market as per the 2015-16 report.
Answer
The text states, 'Today, the situation of the television industry is like this — the Annual Report released by TRAI for the year 2015–16 clearly stated that India has the world’s second largest TV market after China.'
Explanation
The success of 'Maggi 2-Minute noodles' after being advertised on 'Hum Log' (Box 7.5) demonstrated:
Hint: Consider the cause-and-effect relationship between the advertisement on 'Hum Log' and the product's acceptance.
Answer
Box 7.5 states, 'The advertising carried by Hum Log promoted a new consumer product in India, Maggi 2-Minute noodles. The public rapidly accepted this new consumer product, suggesting the power of television commercials.'
Explanation
To compete with the electronic media, especially English language newspapers in India have adopted strategies such as:
Hint: Think about how English newspapers adapted to maintain competitiveness against electronic media.
Answer
The text states, 'In order to compete with the electronic media, newspapers, especially English language newspapers have on the one hand reduced prices and on the other hand brought out editions from multiple centres.'
Explanation
Which Hindi-based satellite entertainment channel began beaming programs to cable television viewers in India in 1992?
Hint: Recall the name of the first major Hindi satellite entertainment channel launched in India.
Answer
The text states, 'In 1992, Zee TV, a Hindi-based satellite entertainment channel, also began beaming programmes to cable television viewers in India.'
Explanation
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