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Question #20

What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India's position on these?

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The McBride Commission of UNESCO, officially known as the International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems, was established in 1977. Its primary aim was to examine and report on communication problems in the modern world, particularly in the context of global media and their impact on cultural diversity, development, and peace.

The specific objectives of the McBride Commission were:

  1. Analyzing the structure and flow of international communication and information and its impact on cultural identity, values, and diversity.
  2. Examining the imbalances, inequalities, and asymmetries in the flow of communication and information between developed and developing countries.
  3. Assessing the role and impact of mass media, including print, radio, television, and new emerging technologies.
  4. Recommending measures to promote media development, access, and participation, particularly in developing countries.
  5. Evaluating the professional, ethical, and social responsibilities of media practitioners and proposing guidelines to ensure quality and accuracy in reporting.

The McBride Report, produced by the commission in 1980, called for the democratization of communication and recommended steps to rectify the imbalances in global media flow. It suggested greater participation and control by developing countries in media production and distribution, along with measures to protect cultural diversity and promote media literacy.

India's position on the McBride Commission and its report was generally positive, as it aligned with the country's own aims and objectives. India, being a developing country, believed in the need for addressing the inequalities and imbalances in global communication. The report's emphasis on cultural diversity and media democratization resonated with India's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Furthermore, India supported the idea of creating New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO) proposed by the Commission, which sought to challenge the dominance of Western media and promote more balanced information flows. India also emphasized the importance of media education and played an active role in promoting media literacy programs.

However, it is worth noting that not all countries shared the same opinions on the McBride Report. Some developed countries expressed concerns about potential restrictions on press freedom and feared government interference in media operations. As a result, the recommendations of the Report did not garner universal support and led to ongoing debates and discussions on media regulation and governance.

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You're referring to the International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems, often known as the MacBride Commission, established by UNESCO in 1977. It was not named after a person called "McBride," but after its chairman, Sean MacBride, an Irish diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Aims and Objectives of the MacBride Commission:

The Commission's primary aim was to examine the growing imbalances in global communication and to recommend solutions for a more just and equitable international communication order.

Specifically, it focused on:

  • Analyzing the existing communication structures: Examining the dominance of Western media and its impact on developing countries.
  • Promoting diversity of voices: Encouraging the development of alternative communication channels and promoting the participation of developing nations in global communication.
  • Addressing the flow of information: Investigating the flow of news and information from developed to developing nations and seeking to reverse this imbalance.
  • Recognizing the role of culture: Understanding the influence of cultural values on communication and promoting cultural exchange.
  • Developing new communication technologies: Encouraging the use of new technologies for communication development in the global South.

India's Position on the MacBride Commission's Recommendations:

India, a founding member of UNESCO and a prominent developing nation, generally supported the MacBride Commission's objectives and many of its recommendations. India, along with other developing countries, sought to:

  • Challenge the dominance of Western media: India pushed for a more equitable distribution of resources and information flow.
  • Promote the development of national media: Encourage the growth of local and regional media outlets in developing countries.
  • Strengthen the role of UNESCO: See UNESCO as a platform for fostering international cooperation in communication.

However, India also expressed some reservations about certain aspects of the Commission's report, including:

  • Concerns about potential restrictions on freedom of the press: India advocated for a balance between the need for a more equitable communication order and upholding freedom of expression.
  • Disagreements on the proposed mechanisms for achieving greater media diversity: India preferred a more pragmatic approach to implementation.

Overall, India's stance on the MacBride Commission was one of cautious support. While embracing the commission's goals, India emphasized the need for a practical and balanced approach to addressing the imbalances in global communication.

Important to Note:

  • The MacBride Commission's recommendations were not binding on member states of UNESCO.
  • The report sparked considerable debate, with differing perspectives from developed and developing nations.
  • Its impact on achieving a more equitable communication order has been subject to ongoing discussion and evaluation.

It's important to understand the historical context of the MacBride Commission, its recommendations, and the diverse perspectives of different nations to fully appreciate its significance in the evolution of global communication.

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The McBride Commission, formally known as the International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems, was established by UNESCO in 1977. The commission was chaired by Sean MacBride, an Irish politician and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The commission's primary objective was to investigate and report on communication problems in the world, with a focus on promoting a more just and equitable flow of information.

The main aims and objectives of the McBride Commission were:

  1. To promote a free and balanced flow of information: The commission aimed to identify obstacles to the free flow of information and recommend ways to promote a more balanced and diverse flow of information across the world.
  2. To study the impact of communication on international relations: The commission examined how communication affects international relations, including the role of the media in shaping public opinion and influencing international affairs.
  3. To investigate the unequal flow of information between North and South: The commission looked into the disparities in the flow of information between developed and developing countries, and sought to identify ways to address these imbalances.

India, as a member state of UNESCO, has been involved in the McBride Commission's work and has contributed to its objectives. India's position on these aims and objectives can be summarized as follows:

  1. Support for a free and balanced flow of information: India has consistently advocated for a free and independent media, and has emphasized the importance of promoting a diverse range of voices and perspectives in the media landscape.
  2. Concerns about the unequal flow of information: India has highlighted the need to address the disparities in the flow of information between developed and developing countries, and has called for greater South-South cooperation in the field of communication.
  3. Emphasis on the role of communication in international relations: India has recognized the significance of communication in international relations and has sought to promote greater understanding and cooperation between nations through effective communication.

Some of the key recommendations of the McBride Commission that India has supported include:

  • The need for a more diverse and pluralistic media landscape
  • The importance of promoting greater South-South cooperation in communication
  • The recognition of the right to communicate as a fundamental human right
  • The need for greater transparency and accountability in the media industry

Overall, India has been supportive of the McBride Commission's aims and objectives, and has sought to promote a more just and equitable flow of information in the global communication landscape.