Types of Microphones: Choosing the Right Mic for Every Use

There are many types of microphones to choose from these days – audio companies make them for live music, gaming, podcasting, and more. To pick the right mic for the right task, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of them.

Courtesy: Types of Microphones: Choosing the Right Mic for Every Use

The Types of Microphones & Their Uses (When & Why) | LedgerNote

The three main types of microphones are dynamic microphones, condenser microphones, and ribbon microphones. While they all have the same core construction, each of them has a different method for converting sound into electrical signals, and various uses. Aside from the big three, there are a few other microphones to be aware of as well. So, here's a brief list breaking down six of the most popular microphone types, starting with the big three:

Dynamic Microphones

Moving-coil dynamic microphones use an electromagnetic induction principle to convert sound into an electrical signal. They’re durable, versatile, and well-suited to be handheld vocal mics for live sound applications. Dynamic mics aren’t likely to overload or distort when capturing high sound pressure levels (SPL) sources such as guitar amps, drums, and horns. They also have a low sensitivity, requiring louder sources to operate. They’re best used for live performances and loud environments. A bonus is that they have no need for external power.  

Dynamic Microphone Examples: Shure SM58 and Sennheiser e835

Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones, sometimes called “capacitor mics,” particularly in the UK, use electrostatic technology. These mics pull their charge, called “phantom power,” from a mixer or audio interface. Phantom power (usually 48V) is supplied through an XLR cable to maintain its charge. They offer a warm, full sound with good sensitivity and low self-noise.

Condenser mics have the best high-frequency audio reproduction, making them the most common choice for capturing the nuances of voices. Hand percussion and acoustic guitar also benefit from its power. Condenser mics come in two major categories: large-diaphragm and small-diaphragm. Typically, large-diaphragm ones are ideal for studio recording with a warm, rich sound and have multiple polar patterns, while small-diaphragm condenser mics are known for accuracy and detail, often used for instrument recording and live sound.  

Condenser Microphone Examples: Neumann U87 and Audio-Technica AT2020

Ribbon Microphones

Ribbon mics use a thin metal ribbon suspended between magnet poles. These microphones are technically a form of dynamic microphone. However, they’re generally treated as a separate design since they work and sound different than their traditional counterparts. A good ribbon mic offers the most natural sound reproduction as its frequency range most closely mimics human hearing. So, they’re wonderful for vocals and instruments.  

Ribbon mics are mostly used inside recording studios as they tend to be more delicate than other types of mics. Some ribbon mics are passive and don’t require external “phantom power,” while active ribbon mics do require it. It’s also important to note that passive ribbon mics can be damaged by phantom power.

Ribbon Microphone Examples: Royer R-121 and AEA R84

USB Microphones

Created with a built-in analog-to-digital converter, these microphones connect directly to computers via USB. Due to this capability, they’re popular for podcasting, home recording, and streaming. If you don’t own an audio interface, you might consider a USB condenser mic for your podcast recording. A bonus is that you can plug the mic straight into a compatible port on your computer without any extra hardware. And luckily, USB microphones generally don’t require an external charge or phantom power in the same way that traditional XLR condenser microphones tend to do, so no external power source is needed.  

USB Microphone Examples: Blue Yeti and Audio-Technica ATR2500

Lavalier Microphones

Lavalier mics go by many titles – lapels, body mics, collar mics, or personal mics, just to name a few. They work by converting acoustic energy into electrical energy. These small clip-on mics are typically used in interviews, presentations, or live performances because they’re unobtrusive and discreet. They are usually omnidirectional, but when positioned close to the subject’s mouth, they produce clear sounds without background noise. Wireless lavalier mics normally consist of a transmitter, usually attached to the performer's clothes, and a receiver, which is connected to the audio output. They often do require some form of external power to operate.  

Lavalier Microphone Examples: Rode Lavalier GO and Sennheiser ME 2-II

Shotgun Microphones

Created to capture sound from a specific direction with a narrow pickup pattern, you can often see these mics mounted to high-end video cameras. A shotgun mic only picks up sounds directly in front of it and from a distance. Due to their directional pickup pattern and long reach, they’re regularly used in film production, outdoor recording, or broadcast. Shotgun microphones often do require external power, depending on their design.

Shotgun Microphone Examples: Sennheiser MKH 416 and Rode NTG4+

In Closing

Microphones come in various types, each suited to different applications, whether it's live sound, studio recording, broadcasting, or something more specialized. The three primary types of microphones are dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones, but there are many others. To pick the proper microphone for the job, it’s important to familiarize yourself with each mic’s characteristics and best uses. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses.

Generally, dynamic mics are best used for live performances or loud environments. Condenser mics are best used for studio recording, vocals, and acoustic instruments. Ribbon mics are also good for studio recording, as well as for capturing high-frequency detail.

Aside from the big three, we’ve discussed a few other microphones – USB, lavalier, and shotgun mics. USB mics are typically utilized for podcasts, home studios, or streaming. Lavaliers are small clip-on mics often utilized in interviews, presentations, or live performances. And finally, shotgun mics are normally used for film production, outdoor recording, or broadcast.  

Voyeurism: REP

Additional link: REP: VOYEURISM IN JOURNALISM | Dr. Vartika Nanda: Media Educator & Prison Reformer

(This reading is arranged by Jesmeh and Rinki, students of Journalism Honours, LSR)

1. Introduction

In the evolving landscape of media, the line between informing the public and intruding upon private lives has blurred. Voyeurism in journalism refers to the practice of reporting that prioritizes sensationalism, private suffering, and intimate details, often under the guise of public interest. It involves the observation of individuals in vulnerable or private moments, typically without consent, to entertain or captivate an audience. This phenomenon has historical roots in tabloid culture and yellow journalism but has gained new relevance in an age dominated by 24/7 news cycles, reality television, and social media. As media technology advances and audience appetites shift, the voyeuristic impulse is increasingly normalized, raising urgent ethical and philosophical concerns.

2. Theoretical Frameworks

Understanding voyeurism in journalism requires engagement with key theoretical perspectives:

Media Ethics and Moral Philosophy: Ethical journalism prioritizes truth, minimization of harm, and respect for subjects. Kantian ethics foreground duty and the intrinsic value of individuals, challenging the exploitation embedded in voyeuristic content. Utilitarian perspectives, however, might justify intrusive reporting if it serves a greater public good—an often-abused rationale.

Surveillance Culture and Panopticism (Foucault): Michel Foucault’s concept of the panopticon—where individuals internalize surveillance—illuminates how subjects of media scrutiny may perform or suppress behaviors due to constant visibility. Journalists, acting as agents of public gaze, contribute to this surveillance apparatus, often without accountability.

Spectacle and Sensationalism (Debord): Guy Debord’s Society of the Spectacle critiques how real experiences are replaced by representations. Media turn suffering into spectacle, prioritizing affective visual narratives over context or dignity, transforming public crises and personal tragedies into consumable content.

3. Forms of Voyeuristic Journalism

Voyeurism manifests in various genres of media coverage:

Tabloid and Celebrity News: Paparazzi culture thrives on the invasion of celebrity privacy, from photographing private vacations to exposing relationship turmoil. These outlets often frame intrusion as transparency or accountability.

Crime and Disaster Reporting: Journalistic focus on grisly crime scenes, grieving victims, or disaster aftermaths caters to morbid curiosity rather than public good. The media’s presence in moments of acute trauma often hinders rescue or healing.

Reality TV and True Crime Documentaries: These genres blur fiction and journalism, presenting real people and events in dramatized formats. They often rely on emotional manipulation, selective editing, and framing that dehumanizes subjects.

Social Media and Citizen Journalism: The rise of user-generated content has democratized reporting but also intensified voyeurism. Livestreams of violence or tragedy often circulate without context, consent, or ethical gatekeeping.

4. Case Studies

4.1 Princess Diana’s Death and Paparazzi Culture

The tragic death of Princess Diana on August 31, 1997, marked a pivotal moment in the discourse on media ethics and privacy. While being pursued by paparazzi in Paris, Diana's vehicle crashed, leading to her untimely demise. The public outcry was immediate and intense, with many attributing blame to the relentless media pursuit. Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, poignantly remarked during her funeral that she was "the most hunted person of the modern age".

In the aftermath, significant changes were implemented to curb invasive journalistic practices. The UK's Press Complaints Commission revised its code of conduct, explicitly prohibiting harassment and persistent pursuit by journalists . Despite these reforms, challenges persist, especially with the rise of social media platforms where unregulated content can perpetuate similar invasions of privacy.

4.2 9/11 Coverage and Trauma Broadcasting

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks presented unprecedented challenges for media outlets. Live broadcasts captured harrowing images, including individuals leaping from the Twin Towers, which, while informative, also raised ethical concerns about the potential re-traumatization of viewers and victims' families. The immediacy and rawness of the coverage sparked debates about the balance between the public's right to know and the potential psychological harm caused by such graphic content.

Scholars have critiqued this form of reporting as contributing to a culture of "trauma voyeurism," where audiences consume distressing content, potentially leading to desensitization and compassion fatigue. The ethical dilemma centers on whether the dissemination of such images serves the public interest or merely satisfies a morbid curiosity.

4.3 Live Crime Reporting: School Shootings

The advent of real-time reporting during school shootings has further complicated the ethical landscape of journalism.During the 2006 Dawson College shooting in Montreal, live broadcasts included interviews with students hiding inside the building, inadvertently revealing their locations and potentially endangering their lives. The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council later faulted the radio station CKNW for airing "potentially dangerous information," highlighting the risks associated with live reporting in volatile situations.

Similarly, the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting saw a graduate student capture video footage of the incident on his cellphone, which was widely disseminated across media platforms. While the footage provided a visceral account of the tragedy, it also raised questions about the role of citizen journalism and the ethical implications of broadcasting such content without editorial oversight.

These instances underscore the tension between the immediacy of information dissemination and the responsibility to protect individuals' safety and dignity during crises.

5. Impact on Subjects

Voyeuristic journalism often treats individuals as objects of spectacle rather than as subjects with agency and dignity. The consequences for those who become unwilling participants in such media narratives can be profound and long-lasting. These impacts can be categorized into three key areas: psychological harm and exploitation, loss of privacy and dignity, and victim re-traumatization.

5.1 Psychological Harm and Exploitation

The psychological toll on individuals who find themselves unwillingly thrust into the media spotlight can be severe. When private suffering is transformed into public content—especially in the aftermath of trauma such as violent crime, sexual assault, or disaster—victims are often left feeling violated.

Research has shown that excessive media attention can contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression (Bernstein et al., 2007). In cases where individuals are identified without their consent, the loss of control over one's own narrative exacerbates feelings of powerlessness.

For instance, survivors of mass shootings or victims of domestic violence often report distress at seeing their images or stories repeatedly broadcast, especially when media coverage prioritizes sensational elements over their lived reality (Houston et al., 2009). This is particularly damaging for children and marginalized individuals, whose stories are often simplified or manipulated to fit media frames.

5.2 Loss of Privacy and Dignity

Voyeuristic reporting often strips individuals of their privacy under the pretext of serving the public interest. Media outlets may justify the publication of sensitive information by citing the "right to know," yet fail to consider whether the story genuinely serves democratic accountability or merely panders to curiosity.

The ethical principle of respect for persons, rooted in Kantian moral philosophy, demands that individuals be treated as ends in themselves—not as means to an audience’s entertainment or a publication’s profits. However, voyeuristic journalism often violates this principle by reducing people to spectacles, especially in the context of grief, poverty, or violence.

For example, during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, numerous media outlets published images of Black victims stranded without aid, often without consent. Critics argued that such coverage perpetuated racialized tropes of helplessness and suffering, undermining the dignity of the people portrayed (Tierney, Bevc, & Kuligowski, 2006).

5.3 Victim Re-traumatization

Media can inadvertently re-traumatize victims by repeatedly airing footage, publishing personal details, or reviving their stories years after the event. This phenomenon is particularly troubling in the digital age, where content is archived, searchable, and shareable indefinitely.

Scholars have described this as a form of "secondary victimization"—when institutions or processes compound the original trauma rather than aid in recovery (Maercker & Müller, 2004). This is common in high-profile legal cases, where survivors of sexual violence are not only subject to the trauma of the event itself but also to invasive media coverage of court proceedings and public reactions.

Moreover, in true crime reporting, victims’ stories are often retold with dramatic embellishments, sound effects, and re-enactments. These forms of media commodify trauma, turning real suffering into consumable entertainment. The emotional and mental burden on surviving families is rarely acknowledged in the process.

6 Impact on Audience

Audience has access to social media and different sites where they connect and consume whatever that they want, at any point of time. The world was never so open and connected like this. This has also escalated the spread of sensation, misinformation and exaggerated reporting.

Voyeurism reporting in news coverage typically includes stories about incidents of voyeurism, such as individuals secretly capturing or disseminating images of others engaging in private acts, and the legal and societal implications of these actions.

Now, Does it impact the audience who are consuming it? If yes, how?

Consuming such contents can influence the audience mentally, socially and psychologically.

1.

Desensitization -1 in 3 women across the globe have experienced some form of violence against them. Whereas, in the US, 1 out of 4 males have experienced some form of sexual violence (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Every day we hear tragic news about victims being subjected to horrible torture and violence that is almost hard to imagine. However, we also see some people who don’t seem affected by it or even blame victims. This is caused due to the phenomena we call desensitization. Desensitization refers to the process of being regularly exposed to violence, which leads to less emotional and physiological response to violence and abuse. Researchers revealed a strong link between exposure to violent pornography and desensitization towards victims of sexual abuse. 

 This unhealthy perception towards the victim affects both the victim and the perpetrator as the never-ending vicious cycle of abuse continues.

2.

Trauma porn-  The word has come from a Greek word which means Wound. When media( News, films, podcast, Television, Novels) try to evoke a traumatic experience in the audience through shocking and horrific visuals, sounds, writing or speech is referred as Trauma porn. This leads to reactions from audiences as they have actually gone through that situation.

Many times, journalists exaggerate a story of marginalized groups, victims and downtrodden to such an extent that it becomes a trauma porn for them. But why do they do so? To get a shocking and emotional response from the audience.

This phenomenon has become more prevalent with the rise of the competition to grab attention.

3.

Influence of voyeurism on social perception and empathy- Consuming such contents can affect social perception and empathy. They become apathetic from others' feelings or pain. They are likely to become less social and interactive. They may experience feelings of violation, distress, and a decreased sense of personal safety. Such incidents can lead to long-term psychological impacts, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of trust in others (McIvor & Petch, 2006).

Additionally, it can also strain relationships, leading to mistrust and dissolution of partnerships or marriages. They may also fear access to appropriate therapeutic interventions or support groups.

7 Legal and Ethical considerations 

→Press freedom v/s Individual right-

Freedom to press and personal rights to privacy and dignity are the fundamental rights in article 19 and 21 respectively of the Indian constitution. So, it becomes crucial to maintain a line between these two. Press has rights to report, investigate and analyse the story but it must be ethical and objective meaning it should not breach the privacy of an individual. In the case of breachment of individuals’ fundamental rights, they can directly approach to the supreme court of India under 32, which was called the heart and soul of the constitution by Dr. Ambedkar.

But who will decide this line? How this conflict will resolve? And what can consent play an important role?

In India, bodies like Ministry of information and broadcasting, Press council of India and National Broadcaster Association play a crucial role in formulation and regulation of the code of conduct for Press.

The Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory autonomous body set up under the Press Council Act, 1978 with the twin objectives of preserving the freedom of press and of maintaining and improving the standards of newspapers and the news agencies in India and also to inculcate the principles of self-regulation among the press. PCI has formulated ‘Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ which the Journalists and Newspapers have to follow. The Council takes cognizance, suo-motu or on complaints, of the contents in print media which are in violation of the ‘Norms of Journalistic Conduct’.  

The ‘Norms of Journalistic Conduct’ balances between press freedom and individual rights is primarily addressed in the following sections: 

1. Privacy:

This section emphasizes that journalists should respect individuals' privacy rights.  Intrusions are only justified when there is an overriding public interest.  The guidelines caution against sensationalism and unwarranted invasions into personal lives. 

2. Accuracy and Fairness:

Journalists are advised to ensure that their reporting is accurate and fair.  Misreporting or distortion can harm individuals' reputations and infringe upon their rights. 

3. Right to Reply:

If an individual is the subject of critical reporting, they should be given an opportunity to present their side of the story.  This ensures a balanced representation and protects individual rights. 

4. Caution Against Defamation:

The norms advise media professionals to avoid defamatory content.  While fair criticism is permissible, malicious intent or unfounded allegations can harm individuals and are discouraged. 

Consequence of the personal breach:

If a journalist breaches the Press Council of India (PCI)'s Norms of Journalistic Conduct, the PCI can censure the journal or publication and warn them publicly because It has no power to punish.

Beyond PCI

If a journalist's actions cause significant harm (like defamation or privacy invasion), the aggrieved person can also file a civil or criminal case in court and seek damages or other remedies under laws like IPC, IT Act, or Privacy laws.

But in the case of Voyeurism, the consequences becomes more serious and goes beyond the jurisdiction of PCI.

Voyeurism was officially declared a criminal offence in India in 2013 through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 as a consequence of the Nirbhaya gangrape case (2012), which triggered nationwide protests and a demand for stronger laws to protect women.

Clause 74(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita deals specifically with voyeurism, and retains the same definition and penalties as in the IPC.

Definition (as per BNS):

> "Whoever watches, or captures the image of a woman engaging in a private act... where she would usually expect not to be observed... shall be punished."

Punishment:

First conviction: Imprisonment of 1 to 3 years and fine.

Subsequent conviction: 3 to 7 years and fine.

8 Digital Age Challenges:

The digital age has brought significant challenges related to viral content, deepfakes, and algorithmic influence. Deepfakes, AI-generated audiovisual manipulations, pose threats to social and political reality, enabling online harassment and blurring the line between real and fake (Yadlin‐Segal & Oppenheim, 2020). These technologies are easily accessible, raising concerns about societal readiness to address their implications (Karnouskos, 2020). Detecting deepfakes remains a critical challenge, necessitating further research (Lyu, 2020). Social media, short-form video, and live streaming platforms have transformed information dissemination and audience behavior, altering the dynamics of virality and content creation (Yin, 2024). These changes have led to the rapid spread of both information and misinformation, while also fostering echo chambers. The shift towards user engagement and interactivity has reshaped content strategies, raising ethical questions about authenticity and algorithmic manipulation in the digital landscape (Yin, 2024).

Dilemmas in digital world

Information Overload: Constant flow of data affects attention span and critical thinking.

Privacy Concerns: Data collection by apps and platforms challenges personal boundaries.

Misinformation: Speed of sharing often overtakes fact-checking.

Mental Health: Pressure to perform online, comparison culture, and cyberbullying.

2. Viral Content and Clickbait Ethics

Discuss the tension between engagement and integrity:

Sensationalism vs. Accuracy: How headlines exaggerate to draw clicks, often misleading.

Impact on Journalism: Quality content gets buried under viral posts.

Emotional Manipulation: Using outrage or curiosity to provoke shares and reactions.

Monetization Incentives: Content creators often prioritize views over truth.

3. Deepfakes, Leaks, and AI Surveillance

Address the rise of AI-enabled threats to truth and privacy:

Deepfakes: Realistic fake videos/images can ruin reputations and spread false info.

Leaks: Whistleblowing vs. unethical data breaches—blurry lines in digital reporting.

AI Surveillance: Governments and companies tracking behavior—raises ethical red flags.

Trust Crisis: When what we see can be faked, belief in any media declines.

4. The Role of Algorithms in Promoting Voyeurism

Explore how recommendation systems push sensationalist or invasive content:

Algorithmic Bias: Promotes content that keeps users engaged, often shocking or private.

Loss of Consent: Private moments or personal tragedies go viral without permission.

Normalization of Voyeurism: Audiences become desensitized to privacy invasions.

Need for Regulation: Calls for ethical AI that prioritizes dignity and consent.

9 Counter Movements

Constructive journalism, also known as solutions journalism, is an emerging approach that aims to counter the negativity bias in news reporting by focusing on solutions and positive emotions (Nölleke, 2019). This approach seeks to enhance audience engagement and inspire prosocial behavior while maintaining traditional journalistic norms (Aitamurto & Varma, 2018). Recent research has highlighted the potential of constructive journalism in improving coverage of complex issues like human trafficking, emphasizing trauma-informed and hope-based reporting (Foot, 2024). A systematic review of literature on constructive and solutions journalism reveals a surge in academic interest, with studies exploring various methodological and conceptual approaches across different countries and institutions (Lough & McIntyre, 2021). While constructive journalism aligns with journalism's social responsibility function, there is an ongoing tension between its normative constructive role and the traditional monitorial role of journalism (Aitamurto & Varma, 2018).

1. Constructive Journalism and Solutions Reporting

A growing response to negativity and sensationalism in the media:

Focus on Solutions: Rather than just highlighting problems, this journalism explores how people are addressing them.

Empowerment over Fear: Encourages critical engagement and hope instead of anxiety or outrage.

Increased Audience Trust: People seek news that is not just true but also meaningful and actionable.

Examples: Outlets like The Solutions Journalism Network and Positive News champion this model.

2. Trauma-Informed Reporting Practices

Ethical storytelling that considers the emotional impact of stories on sources and audiences:

Sensitivity in Interviews: Especially with victims of violence, tragedy, or injustice.

Avoiding Re-Traumatization: Choosing words, images, and framing that respect survivors.

Contextual Storytelling: Providing background and systemic context rather than sensationalizing.

Training & Guidelines: More newsrooms now offer trauma-awareness training for reporters.

3. Accountability Journalism

Holding power to account in a digital age:

Watchdog Reporting: Investigates corruption, abuse of power, and systemic failures.

Data-Driven Exposés: Leveraging digital tools to uncover hidden truths.

Transparency and Ethics: Journalists strive for accuracy, fairness, and public interest.

Notable Examples: ProPublica, The Wire, and investigative units in The Guardian or The New York Times.

 10 Conclusion 

Voyeurism is a criminal activity where a person tries to look into the personal and intimate life of an individual, taking inappropriate pictures and videos, stalking, threatening etc. In the context of media, it refers to when the media sensationalizes the story in order to gain more views and public relations. It has a huge negative influence on mental health, shaping the social perspective etc. Here, ethics in journalism become very crucial.

The ethical imperative of truth-telling in journalism is central that it should be the profession's occupational norm. However, this principle must be balanced with respect for community and relationships (Christians et al., 1993). Storytelling plays a crucial role in human evolution and empathy development, highlighting its importance in media ethics (Hunte & Golembiewski, 2014). Journalists face complex moral responsibilities, including protecting confidential sources, respecting privacy, and maintaining objectivity while navigating censorship and freedom of the press issues (Jacquette, 2006). The future of ethical storytelling in media involves striking a balance between truth-telling and respect for individuals and communities. This requires a nuanced approach that recognizes the power of stories to shape society while adhering to professional ethical standards and considering the broader social impact of journalistic practices.

News Agencies: REP

(last updated on 28th March 2025, 11:18 PM)

Content List

Introduction

News Agency: Meaning 

Synonyms of News Agency

Origin of News Agencies

Reason for Growth

Relevance of News Agencies

Forms of a News Agency

Functions of a News Agency

How are News Agencies Different from News Organisations

Major News Agencies in India and Abroad

Challenges Faced by News Agencies

Introduction

This research delves into the importance and functions of news agencies; their characteristics and major news agencies in India. The material also discusses how news agencies are different from news organisations, the financial aspect of news agencies, scope and challenges.

News Agency: Meaning 

According to Britannica, a news agency is an organization that gathers, writes, and distributes news from around a nation or the world to newspapers, periodicals, radio and television broadcasters, government agencies, and other users. 

It does not generally publish news itself but supplies news to its subscribers, who, by sharing costs, obtain services they could not otherwise afford. All the mass media depend upon the agencies for the bulk of the news, even including those few that have extensive news-gathering resources of their own.

Synonyms of News Agency

According to thesaurus, a news agency is also called a news service, press agency, news wire or a wire service. 

Origin of News Agency

1832: Charles Havas started the world’s first news agency, Bureau Havas in France, running a lithographic news service to collect and translate news stories from foreign press.

1835: Havas renamed his agency Agence Havas, providing services to newspapers, bankers, and the French government.

1848: Associated Press (AP) was formed by six newspapers in New York as a solution to beat the high cost of telegraphy, with strict restrictions on membership.

1849: Bernhard Wolff, a colleague of Paul Julius Reuter working at Havas, founded Wolff in Prussia (Germany), making it one of the three major news agencies.

1851: Israel Beer Josaphat, a German Jew, who later became known as Paul Julius Reuter, having worked as a sub-editor with Havas in Paris, founded his own news agency, Reuters, in London.

1865: Reuters, Agence Havas, and Wolff formed a European cartel, agreeing to divide exclusive territories for their operations. Uncovered areas were considered neutral territory where any of them could operate. Associated Press was a participating member of this cartel for many decades.

1907: The exclusiveness of AP led to the formation of United Press Association (UPA), which later became United Press International (UPI) in 1959.

World War I: Wolff could not survive the aftermath of World War I.

1949: After World War II, the present German news agency Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) was established, succeeding the Deutsche Nachrichtenagentur. Based in Hamburg, it grew into a major worldwide news operation in German, English, Spanish, and Arabic languages.

Post-World War II: After several developments and changes of hands, Agence Havas became Agence France-Presse (AFP), which is still known by that name today.

Reasons for Growth 

Emerging freedom of the press in Germany, political turmoil in France, booming stock market across Europe, spreading of territorial colonialism, laying of the world’s first undersea cable between Dover and Calais in November 1851 and the dynamic movements in history of the world across theAtlantic and elsewhere created the best scenario for bulk and fast movement of news. Newspapers managed the show with a few correspondents but with several drawbacks. Limited finance, means, manpower and resources of newspapers came in the way of wider coverage of news. Onlya handful of newspapers could afford to station correspondents at various places for coverage of news. Instead of each newspaper spending money to get the same news, a news agency could gather the news and distribute it to the newspapers at a fraction of a cost. As the proverbial “ need is the mother of invention”, a new system of gathering of news– News Agencies- sprouted with fledgling problems but sure enough to hit the market with a bang. The idea of the News Agency, therefore, emerged as the solution for better informedness in the fast changing world. The operation was galvanised with the world witnessing political upheavals and huge unprecedented technological advancements.

Relevance of News Agencies

News agencies have been crucial to the media landscape, playing a significant role in gathering and distributing news globally. The foundation of modern news agencies, such as Agence Havas in 1832 (later known as AFP), Reuters in 1851, and Associated Press (AP) in 1848, laid the groundwork for centralized news collection and distribution. Their relevance can be examined through the following roles:

Gathering and Distributing News: News agencies collect news from various locations and distribute it to media outlets, ensuring that news is accessible to television, radio, newspapers, and online platforms worldwide.

Fostering Global Communication: With the establishment of the first international news agencies like Reuters, AFP, and Wolff, cross-border communication became faster and more efficient, helping people stay informed about global events.

Providing a Centralized Source of Information: Since their inception, news agencies have served as a reliable, centralized source of information for media outlets. This structure ensures that the public receives news about events that would otherwise be hard to reach, such as the European cartel formed by Reuters, Havas, and Wolff in 1865 to divide exclusive territories for news reporting.

Ensuring Accuracy and Verification: In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, news agencies like AP and Reuters prioritize accuracy and verification. Their dedicated fact-checking teams ensure that the news stories they distribute are reliable.

Providing a Platform for Local News: By offering coverage of regional and local events, news agencies contribute to a more inclusive news ecosystem, enriching both national and international media with local perspectives.

Supporting Democratic Processes: By delivering timely, accurate news, agencies such as United Press International (UPI) and DPA (Germany) contribute to informed public discourse, essential for the functioning of democratic societies.

Adapting to Technological Changes: News agencies have embraced digital technologies to provide real-time updates in multimedia formats—text, video, images, and live broadcasts—adapting to the changing media landscape.

Working with Media Outlets: News agencies maintain a symbiotic relationship with media outlets by providing raw content. Media outlets like newspapers and broadcasters then use this information to shape their own news stories.

Shaping Perceptions and Influencing Decisions: Through their reporting, news agencies frame important issues and influence public opinion and decisions. However, they must balance this responsibility with objectivity, avoiding sensationalism and bias.

Forms of a News Agency

The news agency has a variety of forms. 

In some large cities, newspapers and radio and television stations have joined forces to obtain routine coverage of news about the police, courts, government offices, and the like. National agencies have extended the area of such coverage by gathering and distributing stock-market quotations, sports results, and election reports. 

There are some agencies that publish government news. Such agencies are known as Government Agencies. A few agencies have extended their service to include worldwide news. The service has grown to include news interpretation, special columns, news photographs, audiotape recordings for radio broadcast, and often videotape or motion-picture film for television news reports. 

Many agencies are cooperatives, and the trend has been in that direction since World War II. Under this form of organization, individual members provide news from their own circulation areas to an agency pool for general use.  In major news centres the national and worldwide agencies have their own reporters to cover important events, and they maintain offices to facilitate distribution of their service.

In addition to general news agencies, several specialized services have developed. In the United States alone these number well over 100, including such major ones as Science Service, Religious News Service, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, and News Election Service. Specialized services in other countries include the Swiss Katholische Internationale Presseagentur, which reports news of special interest to Roman Catholics, and the Star News Agency of Pakistan, which supplies news of Muslim interest in English and Urdu.

The major press associations in the USA have expanded their service to include entertainment features, and some feature syndicates provide straight news coverage as a part of their service. The Newspaper Enterprise Association distributes both news and features in the United States.

Functions of a News Agency

The primary function of a news agency is to gather information from a wide range of sources and deliver it quickly to clients. Agencies operate on a global scale, with correspondents stationed worldwide to report on events as they unfold.

 The content produced by a news agency typically includes breaking news, political developments, economic updates, sports reports, and international affairs. These agencies are also equipped to distribute the service almost instantaneously. 

The world agencies have established a variety of relationships with other agencies and with individual news media. Most of them purchase the news services of national or local agencies to supplement news gathered by their own staff representatives at key points.

News agency was described earlier as an organisation that collects and distributes news to newspapers, magazines and broadcasters. But this definition doesn’t fit into today’s world. 

They Have diversified their operations fromjust news suppliers to several other income earning services to survive the competition in the present high tech world. 

Apart from distributing news to newspapers, these days they supply news and video footage to TV news broadcasters, news and information texts to mobile phone services and operate online web news services. Some of them are advertisers and publishers too. 

Therefore, the News Agency can be described as an organisation that gathers news items, photos and news video footage and market and other information of interest to the people and distributes them to newspapers, magazines, Radio and Television broadcasters, mobile phones, government agencies and other subscribers. These are also referred to as a wire service, newswire or news service.

How are News Agencies Different from News Organisations? 

News agencies are responsible for collecting and distributing news. News Organisations use the news provided by these agencies, along with their own correspondents' reports, to print, publish, and sell newspapers to customers. News agencies operate as wholesalers, supplying the same news to various news organisations, while news organisations serve as retailers, using the news exclusively for their publications.

News agencies earn revenue from subscriptions paid by news organisations, which helps cover their operational costs. News organisations, in turn, generate income through paper sales and advertisements to sustain their operations.

Correspondents working for news agencies generally do not receive credit for their stories, except in special circumstances. However, news organisations typically give credit to their own correspondents for their contributions.

How Does a News Agency Operate? 

News agencies are essential organizations within the media industry, responsible for gathering, producing, and distributing news to various media outlets. They are primarily operated by professional journalists, including editors, reporters, and correspondents. In addition to these key roles, they also employ photojournalists and cameramen who play a significant role in covering news events visually. 

This visual coverage is vital, especially in today’s fast-paced news environment, where news organizations increasingly demand multimedia content to engage audiences across multiple platforms.

The content created by news agencies spans a wide range of formats and topics, catering to the needs of their diverse client base. These agencies prepare both hard news (straightforward, factual reporting on significant events such as political developments or natural disasters) and soft news (features, human interest stories, and lighter content). They also create in-depth feature articles, video footage, and other forms of multimedia content to be sold to other news organizations, such as newspapers, television networks, and digital media platforms.

One of the advantages of news agencies is their global reach. In addition to the news gathered by their own correspondents, many news agencies collaborate with other international news agencies. These partnerships enable them to exchange news stories and gain access to a vast amount of content from different parts of the world. This cooperation benefits both parties, as it allows them to share resources and tap into a broader pool of information, ensuring comprehensive news coverage. For example, a national news agency might partner with a global news agency like Reuters or the Associated Press to receive international news reports that are beyond the scope of its local correspondents.

In the modern digital age, news agencies deliver their content electronically. The articles, news stories, and multimedia content are distributed in bulk through computer networks or the internet, reaching their subscribers through subscription services. This system ensures that news organizations can access up-to-date, real-time news feeds that they can incorporate into their publications or broadcasts. These subscriptions provide news agencies with a steady revenue stream, which is essential for sustaining their operations and maintaining the high standards of journalism expected from them.

Historically, before the advent of digital technology, the distribution process was much more labor-intensive. News was transmitted through wire services, which involved sending news stories via telegraphy. This method relied on teleprinters, machines installed at the subscribers’ offices, that received the text of the news stories, printing them out for the newsroom to process. While this was an effective means of communication in its time, it was far slower and less efficient than the instantaneous digital distribution we have today.

Over time, news agencies have evolved in tandem with technological advancements, but their fundamental role in the media ecosystem remains unchanged. They continue to be a crucial intermediary between the events happening around the world and the news organizations that report on them to the public. Their ability to gather, verify, and distribute news across different media outlets ensures that the global population stays informed about important developments, regardless of geographic location.

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Major News Agencies in India and Abroad

News agencies have been a cornerstone of modern journalism, playing a critical role in the collection, production, and distribution of news content to audiences across the globe. These agencies serve as intermediaries between news sources and media outlets, providing time-to-time coverage of breaking news events, in-depth investigative reporting, and analysis of political, social, and economic trends.

Over the years, news agencies have evolved in response to changes in technology, markets, and social contexts, adapting their services to meet the changing needs of the media industry and the public. Today, they represent a diverse range of agencies, from Sarkari news agency to international ones such as Reuters and Agence France-Presse to local news serving specific communities. Here we will explore types of news agencies in the modern era and their function in shaping how we consume and understand the news. In addition candidates can also check Staitic GK to get all the related information about general knowledge. 

List of News Agencies in India

Several news agencies in India provide news coverage and services to the media industry and the public. Here is the list of news agencies in India and their establishment year.

News Agencies in India

Established 

Location 

Press Trust of India (PTI)

1947

New Delhi 

United News of India (UNI)

1961

New Delhi 

Indo-Asian News Service (IANS)

1986

New Delhi 

Asian News International (ANI)

1971

New Delhi 

Hindustan Samachar

1948

New Delhi 

India has a vibrant and diverse media industry, with different news agencies providing coverage to a wide range of topics such as business and sports, entertainment and politics. Below we have discussed some of the best news agencies in India.

Press Trust of India 

Established in 1947, PTI is India's oldest and largest news agency. It provides news coverage and services in both English and Hindi and has a network of correspondents and offices across the country. 

Over 200 Indian newspapers have subscribed to the PTI service, including Doordarshan and the government.

This new agency has coverage of different world capitals like the USA, Moscow, Colombo, Africa, and the UK.

It provides a vast range of tele networks, employing many journalists worldwide.

The PTI has won numerous awards for its journalism, including the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award and the International News Services Award.

The PTI is accomplished by a Board of Directors, and its current Chairman is N. Ravi, a former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu newspaper.

United News of India 

UNI is another major news agency in India, established in 1961. Sponsored by 8 national dailies, UNI offers news coverage in English, Hindi, and other Indian languages and has a presence in several Indian cities.

This news agency has also partnered with many international news agencies in the USA, Germany, Italy, etc., to provide global news on your TV. 

UNI has also started a great initiatives like Agricultural service, and Economic services to cater to the special needs of their subscribers. 

UNI is known for its unbiased and accurate reporting, and its news content is trusted by a varied range of readers, media outlets, and other stakeholders.

UNI also provides news content to various electronic, print and digital media outlets across India and the world.

 UNI is headquartered in New Delhi, India, and has area offices in major cities across the country.

Asian News International 

Established in 1971, ANI is a leading news agency in India. Provides coverage in both English and Hindi and has a network of bureaus and correspondents across India. ANI is also the first news agency in India to have syndicated video news in India. 

ANI has a rich history of criticizing government propaganda, fake news networks and various misreporting coverages.

ANI covers an extensive range of topics including national and international news, business, politics, sports, entertainment, and technology.

ANI has won numerous awards and tributes for its quality of news coverage, including the Indian Television Academy Award for Best News Coverage.

It is a member of the International News Services, a network of important news agencies around the world.

ANI provides news in multiple languages including English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and Marathi.

Indo-Asian News Service 

It is a private news agency in India, established in 1986. IANS has a presence in several Indian cities, providing both Hindi and English news. With the collaboration of global network correspondents, it also covers international news.

 Being a leading news agency, IANS plays a key role in shaping public opinion and awareness of different issues of national and international importance.

IANS provides news content to several media outlets, including television channels, newspapers and digital media platforms. It also offers real-time news updates, photo and video content, and analysis.

This Indian news agency has clients in India and abroad, including newspapers, television channels, news agencies and digital media platforms.

It covers news and events from India and worldwide, emphasising politics, entertainment, business, sports, and technology.

IANS has won several awards for journalism, including the National Award for Excellence in Journalism from the Press Council of India.

Hindustan Samachar

A prominent news agency in India, Hindustan Samachar, was established in 1948. Offers news coverage and services in both English and Hindi and has a network of offices across the country. 

Being a regional news agency, Hindustan Samachar provides coverage of events and issues that may not receive as much attention from national news outlets.

Hindustan Samachar covers news and events from India and worldwide, focusing on sports, politics, business, entertainment, and social issues.

It is a privately held company, with the Singh family as the majority shareholders.

It has a strong online presence, with its news content on its website and through social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

Hindustan Samachar claims to uphold strict editorial independence and neutrality in its news coverage, and the principles of fairness, accuracy, and objectivity guide its editorial policy.

List of News Agencies in World 

From new coverage based on financial markets to political parties, there are innumerable types of international news agencies across the world. These news agencies play a huge impact both directly and indirectly in people's lives. Here is the list of the world's best news agencies and their country.

News Agencies in World

Country 

Established 

Associated Press 

United States

1846

REUTERS 

United Kingdom 

1851

TASS

Russia 

1902

BERNAMA

Malaysia 

1967

ANSA

Italy 

1945

ITIM

Thailand 

1949

Agence France-Presse

France

1835

XINHUA

China

1931

KYODO

Japan

1945

ANTARA

Indonesia 

1937

Islamic Republic News Agency 

Iran

1934

Deutsche Presse-Agentur 

Germany 

1949

WAFA

Palestine 

1972

Australian Associated Press

Australia 

1935

NOVOSTI

Russia 

1918

Middle East News Agency 

Egypt 

1955

United Press International 

USA

1907

There are various news agencies in the world covering diversified topics. Here we have discussed the popular international news agencies in the world.

Associated Press 

Founded in 1846, it is one of the oldest news agencies in the world. It is a non-profit cooperative, Sarkari news agency owned by its member newspapers and broadcasters. This press covers news from around the world, including breaking news, politics, sports, entertainment, and business.

The AP's content is circulated to its member news organizations, which can use the material to increase their reporting.

It is one of the world's most respected and trusted news organizations.

The AP offers news coverage on a global scale, with over 2,000 journalists in more than 250 locations worldwide.

This international news agency mission is to enlighten the world with accurate, timely, and impartial news.

The AP has won frequent awards for its journalism, including multiple Pulitzer Prizes.

Reuters

Provide news from worldwide, focusing mainly on financial and business news. Established in 1851, Reuters is a British news agency in the UK. It is owned by the Thomson Reuters corporation and provides news to media outlets, businesses, and other organizations.

Reuters has won several awards for its journalism, including 30 Pulitzer Prizes.

Reuters has more than 2,500 journalists and 600 photographers in more than 200 locations worldwide. And it originated in London in 1851 by Paul Reuter, a German-born businessman.

Its journalists cover many topics, including business, finance, politics, and sports.

Some of its most famous scoops include the declaration of the armistice at the end of World War I, the first pictures of the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and the first news of the death of Osama bin Laden.

Thomson Reuters also offers financial information and other services to businesses and governments worldwide.

Agence France-Presse

Founded in 1835, AFP is a French news agency that provides news coverage in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. It covers broad topics on politics, business, sports, and culture impartially.

AFP is a not-for-profit organization, funded by the French government.

It is known for its complete coverage of events in France and its former colonies. It is also familiar for its reporting on crises, conflicts and major world events, such as the wars in Iraq and Syria, the Arab Spring, and the refugee crisis in Europe.

AFP offers other services, including video and photo production, data and analysis, and training for journalists.

AFP operates in six languages, including French, Spanish, English, German, Arabic, and Portuguese.

It has more than 200 bureaus in 150 countries, making it one of the largest news agencies in the world.

Xinhua News Agency

Xinhua is an official news agency of China, established in 1931. It Is the largest news agency that provides news coverage in Chinese and several other languages. Along with the coverage of a wide range of topics, this new agency has a distribution network related to the government and the Chinese ruling party.

Xinhua News Agency offers a range of news services, including photo, text, and video news, as well as online news and mobile news services.

Xinhua News Agency is known for encouraging the political agenda of the Chinese government. Its news coverage often reflects the views of the government, and it has been suspect of spreading propaganda.

This international news agency has a global presence, with news bureaus in more than 160 countries and regions.

Xinhua News Agency is at the vanguard of using new technology in journalism.

Xinhua News Agency has an important presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Kyodo News

Kyodo News is a Japanese news agency that provides news coverage in Japanese and English. It was founded in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II. Because of its commitment to accuracy and impartiality, Kyodo has become a leading news agency in Asia.

The strength of Kyodo is its focus on accurate and impartial news coverage.

Kyodo News has won numerous awards for its journalism, including the Pulitzer Prize in 2016 for its analytical reporting on the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

It is known for its groundbreaking use of technology in news reporting, including drones for aerial footage, 360-degree cameras for immersive reporting, and AI for data analysis and news curation.

Kyodo News provides news coverage on an extensive range of topics, including business, politics, technology, sports, entertainment, and international news.

Kyodo News has bureaus in major cities worldwide, including Washington D.C., Beijing, New York, London, Paris, Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore.

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Challenges Faced by News Agencies

News agencies, which serve as the backbone of global journalism, face numerous challenges in today’s fast-paced and evolving media landscape. Technological advancements, economic and financial pressures, misinformation, political and editorial influences, and changes in audience behavior all combine to shape how news agencies operate in the era of globalization and digital media. These factors have not only transformed how news is produced and distributed but also posed significant challenges for agencies striving to maintain their relevance, credibility, and financial stability.

Technological Advancements

The rapid rise of digital platforms, social media, and artificial intelligence (AI) has created both opportunities and challenges for news agencies. Historically, news agencies served as gatekeepers of information, but the proliferation of social media has disrupted this role. Today, information is available instantly through social networks, blogs, and online forums, often bypassing traditional news agencies. This real-time accessibility creates intense competition for breaking news, forcing agencies to continuously update their operations and embrace technological innovations.

Furthermore, technological advancements have led to changes in content consumption. Audiences now expect multimedia formats, such as videos, images, and infographics, in addition to text-based reports. News agencies must adopt a multi-platform approach to ensure their content is accessible across various devices and platforms. However, this adaptation requires significant investment in technology, skills, and infrastructure, which can strain the agency’s financial resources.

Another emerging challenge is the role of AI and automation in journalism. While these tools can help streamline the news-gathering process and enhance efficiency, they also pose ethical and practical challenges. News agencies must balance the use of automated tools with the need for human oversight to ensure accuracy, nuance, and credibility in reporting. Automation alone cannot replace the critical thinking and investigative skills of human journalists.

Economic and Financial Pressures

The financial model of traditional news agencies has been severely disrupted by the digital revolution. Historically, agencies generated revenue through subscriptions, licensing, and advertising. However, with the rise of free online content, paid subscriptions have declined, and the digital advertising market has become increasingly competitive. This has resulted in shrinking profit margins, leaving many news agencies struggling to stay financially viable.

To combat these economic pressures, news agencies have been forced to implement cost-cutting measures, such as downsizing staff, reducing international coverage, or merging operations with other media organizations. While these actions help manage short-term financial strains, they can also weaken the agency’s ability to provide comprehensive and high-quality news coverage. For instance, cutting back on foreign bureaus or investigative journalism can result in a lack of depth in reporting, limiting the agency’s influence and credibility in the global media landscape.

Additionally, news agencies face the challenge of balancing commercial interests with editorial independence. In an effort to boost revenues, agencies may face pressure to produce more sensationalist or clickbait content that attracts larger audiences. However, this can undermine their reputation as trusted, reliable news sources, leading to a loss of public trust.

Disinformation and Misinformation

One of the most pressing challenges faced by news agencies today is the widespread dissemination of disinformation and misinformation. With the advent of social media, false information can spread rapidly, often outpacing legitimate news reports. News agencies must work tirelessly to combat this by ensuring their reports are thoroughly verified and fact-checked. However, this requires significant resources, time, and manpower—factors that can strain an agency’s capacity to deliver timely news in an era where speed is paramount.

Misinformation also undermines public trust in media institutions. As fake news stories become more prevalent, audiences may become skeptical of even legitimate news sources. News agencies, therefore, need to double down on transparency, accuracy, and ethical journalism to differentiate themselves from unreliable outlets. This includes investing in dedicated fact-checking teams, training journalists in digital literacy, and collaborating with technology companies to prevent the spread of false information.

Political and Editorial Pressures

In many regions, news agencies operate in environments where political and editorial pressures are significant challenges. Governments, corporations, or interest groups may attempt to influence news coverage to align with their agendas. News agencies must navigate these pressures carefully, as yielding to external influences can compromise their editorial independence and credibility.

In some countries, news agencies face the risk of censorship or government intervention, which can limit their ability to report on sensitive issues such as corruption, human rights violations, or political unrest. This suppression of information undermines the public’s right to access impartial and accurate news. Moreover, even in democratic nations, media consolidation and ownership structures can introduce biases into news reporting, further complicating the role of news agencies in delivering objective information.

Audience Fragmentation and Changing Consumption Habits

News agencies also face the challenge of adapting to rapidly changing audience preferences and consumption habits. As audiences increasingly turn to personalized news feeds and shorter content formats, traditional news agencies must find ways to engage these fragmented audiences. The rise of mobile apps, social media, and online platforms has given individuals more control over what news they consume, often at the expense of long-form, in-depth journalism.

To stay relevant, news agencies must cater to these new preferences by offering concise, visually engaging content while maintaining the depth and integrity of their reporting. This balance is critical in an era where attention spans are shrinking, and consumers are bombarded with a constant flow of information.

In today’s globalized and technologically advanced world, news agencies face numerous challenges. From adapting to technological changes and navigating financial pressures to combating misinformation and resisting political influences, news agencies must continuously evolve to maintain their relevance, credibility, and impact. Despite these hurdles, news agencies remain vital to the dissemination of reliable, accurate, and timely information, shaping public discourse and fostering informed societies.

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REP: PAID NEWS: Press Council of India

Paid News can be defined as “Any news or analysis appearing in any media (print and electronic) for a price in cash or kind as a consideration”.

The election time paid news phenomenon has three dimensions:

The reader or the viewer does not get a correct picture of the personality or performance of the candidate in whose favor or against he decides to cast his vote. This destroys the very essence of democracy.

Contesting candidates perhaps do not show it in the election’s expenses account thereby violating The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, framed by the Election Commission of India under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Those newspapers which received the money in cash but did not disclose it in their official statements of accounts have violated the Companies Act, 1956 as well as the Income Tax Act, 1961 besides other laws.

The Election Commission of India vide letter no. 491/Paid News/2019 dated 04.06.2019 has shared the actions to be taken in the established/confirmed cases of paid news as follows:

Name of the candidate (and not the media house) shall be published on CEOs website in appropriate manner.

Name of the print and electronic media, with all the details of the paid news items shall be forwarded to Press Council of India (PCI) and News Broadcasters Association (NBA) by the Commission (and not by the O/o CEO) after obtaining it from the CEOs concerned.

Juxtapose 2025

April 15-16, 2025 

Juxtapose serves as a space for deep academic engagement and meaningful dialogue. Each year, we explore a theme that pushes us to question, analyze, and understand. This year’s theme—“Media Multiverse”—examines the evolving role of media in shaping our realities, especially in this age of fragmented narratives and shifting platforms.

खबरों के शोर में इंसानियत की आवाजें: Prabhat Khabar: 15 April, 2025

तेईस साल का बेटा अपने माता-पिता और 20 साल की बहन की हत्या करता है, फिर सुबह की सैर पर निकल जाता है. घर लौटने पर वह एक कहानी गढ़ता है. पुलिस को फोन करता है और कहता है कि उसकी गैरमौजूदगी में किसी ने उसके घर में इतनी भयंकर वारदात कर दी है. दिल्ली पुलिस जांच में जुटती है और कुछ ही घंटों बाद इस नतीजे पर पहुंचती है कि इन हत्याओं को अंजाम देने वाला खुद यही युवक था. नौ जुलाई, 2024 को दिल्ली की गीता कॉलोनी के पास 38 साल के एक व्यक्ति को 100 दुर्लभ और संरक्षित कछुए के बच्चों के साथ गिरफ्तार किया गया. ये सारे कछुए एक बैग में ठूंसे हुए थे और एक दोपहिया वाहन पर ले जाये जा रहे थे. जब पुलिस ने वाहन को रोका, तो एक बड़े काले रंग के बैग में बहुत सारे कछुए ठुंसे हुए थे. पुलिस ने इन कछुओं को तुरंत एक पुलिस स्टेशन में ले जाकर पानी से भरी बाल्टियों में रखा. छोटे-छोटे उन कछुओं को बाद में कड़कड़डुमा अदालत में जज के सामने पेश किया गया. आरोपी को भी अदालत में पेश किया गया. पुलिस ने देखा कि इतने दिनों से बैग में बंद रहने के कारण कछुओं की हालत बदतर थी. पुलिस ने उन्हें तुरंत पानी में रखा और उनके लिए पानी, बीज और फल का इंतजाम किया. शाम को उन कछुओं को असोला भट्टी वन्यजीव अभयारण्य ले जाया गया. इस तरह से उन कछुओं को बचा लिया गया और इस कहानी का सुखद अंत हुआ.

सोलह जनवरी, 2022 को शुरू हुई सच्ची और संजीदा कहानियों के इस पिटारे का नाम है- ‘किस्सा खाकी का’. यह देश के किसी भी पुलिस विभाग की पहली पॉडकास्ट सीरीज है, जिसका संचालन और प्रस्तुतिकरण दिल्ली पुलिस करती है. कहानियां लोगों को जोड़ने का काम करती हैं, यह बात पुलिस ने भी समझी. वर्ष 2022 में जब ‘किस्सा खाकी का’ की शुरुआत को मंजूरी दी गयी, तब किसी को भी इस बात का इल्म नहीं था कि देखते ही देखते कहानियों का यह पिटारा पुलिस स्टाफ के मनोबल को इस कदर बढ़ाएगा और लोगों के दिलों में जगह बनाने लगेगा. अब तक हुए तमाम अंकों में हर बार किसी ऐसे किस्से को चुना गया, जो किसी अपराध के सुलझने या फिर मानवीयता से जुड़ा हुआ था.

दिल्ली पुलिस अपने सोशल मीडिया के विविध मंचों पर हर रविवार को दोपहर दो बजे एक नयी कहानी रिलीज करती है. आकाशवाणी भी अब इन पॉडकास्ट को अपने मंच पर सुनाने लगी है. दिल्ली पुलिस ने अपने मुख्यालय में ‘किस्सा खाकी का’ एक सेल्फी पॉइंट बना दिया है, ताकि स्टाफ यहां पर अपनी तस्वीरें ले सके और प्रेरित हो सके. आवाज की उम्र चेहरे की उम्र से ज्यादा लंबी होती है. ‘तिनका-तिनका जेल रेडियो’ जेलों की आवाजों को आगे लाने का काम एक लंबे समय से कर रहा है. ‘किस्सा खाकी का’ और ‘तिनका-तिनका जेल रेडियो’, ये दोनों पॉडकास्ट भारत के अनूठे और नवीन पॉडकास्ट हैं. मार्च महीने में ‘तिनका जेल’ पॉडकास्ट ने अपने 99 अंक पूरे किये. इन दोनों पॉडकास्ट की सफलता की कुंजी इनके नयेपन, सकारात्मकता और गतिमयता में है. कंटेंट खालिस हो, तो वह हौले-हौले अपनी जगह बनाने की आश्वस्ति देता ही है. यही वजह है कि शॉट्स की भीड़ और मसालेदार खबरों के शोर में इंसानियत की आवाजें उठने लगी हैं. आवाजों की ये कोशिशें इस अंधेरे संसार में दीया बन रही हैं. लेकिन यह मानना होगा कि जिस तेजी से झूठ वायरल होता है, मनोरंजन और मसाला बिकता है, उतने ही धीमे ढंग से जिंदगी की नर्माहट स्वीकारी जाती है. जेल और पुलिस, दोनों का परिचय अंधेरे से है. दोनों के साथ पारंपरिक तौर से नकारात्मकता की छवियां जुड़ी हैं. अंग्रेजों के जमाने से चली आ रही इन क्रूर छवियों को तोड़ना चुनौती है. दूसरे, समाज जिस आसानी से बाजारी प्रचार से मिली खबरों को पलकों में बिठाता है, वैसा उन कहानियों के साथ नहीं होता, जिनसे सिर्फ संवेदना जुड़ी होती है. दुनिया शायद ऐसे ही चलती है.

बहरहाल, समय की गुल्लक में ऐसी कहानियों का जमा होना तिनका भर उम्मीद को बड़ा विस्तार तो देता ही है. लेकिन सच्ची और संजीदा कहानियों की कुछ सीमाएं भी होती हैं. मसालेदार स्वाद का आदी हो चुका दर्शक-श्रोता कई बार सीधी-सादी कहानियों का ज्यादा स्वाद नहीं ले पाता. जिस तरह से दूरदर्शन की छवि को उसके सरकारीपन से जोड़ कर दर्शक उसके पक्ष को कई बार नजरअंदाज करके शोर भरे चैनलों को तरजीह देने लगता है, ठीक वैसे ही बिना हंगामे के अपनी बात कहते ‘किस्सा खाकी का’ और ‘तिनका जेल रेडियो’ जैसे पॉडकास्ट वायरल नहीं होते. लेकिन इससे इन पॉडकास्ट के वजूद के होने की वजह कम नहीं होती. सेहतमंद कंटेंट और सेहतमंद खाना एक उम्र और समझदारी के बाद ही जिंदगी में शामिल हो पाता है.

(ये लेखिका के निजी विचार हैं.)

आलेख के प्रकाशन के लिए प्रभात खबर और आशुतोष जी का शुक्रिया।

Few details about podcasts have also become part of RADIO IN PRISON published by Nbt India.

Links: Prabhat Khabar | Hindi News Portal to Eastern India

खबरों के शोर में इंसानियत की आवाजें delhi police

Media Laws and Ethics: An Introduction to Legal and Ethical Issues in Journalism: 2018: Book Review

EDITOR: Dr. Vartika Nanda

PUBLISHER: Kanishka Publishers Distributors 

ISBN : 978-81-8457-833-1

YEAR: 2018

PAGES:227

PRICE: ₹750

“ With the media conducting trials and announcing the conviction of an accused as guilty takes away the chance of the innocent to prove otherwise. Even if the court releases the accused as innocent in the case, he becomes the victim of the media trial, ruining his reputation in public eye” (Page 50)

Why to read this book:

Media Laws and Ethics: An Introduction to Legal and Ethical Issues in Journalism by Dr. Vartika Nanda is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to understand the legal and ethical framework that shapes journalism in India. Covering twelve chapters, the book discusses key issues like media ownership, sting operations, media trials, privacy, and self-regulation. It combines insights from experienced scholars and journalists, making complex topics more accessible.

Case Studies:

One of the strengths of this book is its use of real-life case studies to explain ethical dilemmas. The Aarushi Talwar case is a prime example of how media trials can influence public opinion before a court’s verdict. Similarly, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks coverage raised concerns about live reporting, as sensitive information broadcasted on TV may have aided the attackers. These cases highlight the responsibility that comes with journalism.

The intersection of Law and Ethics:

The book dives into important legal aspects of journalism, including defamation, contempt of court, and paid news. It also discusses how corporate influence can affect editorial independence, with Professor Keval J. Kumar explaining how “private treaties” between media houses and businesses can lead to biased reporting.

Understanding Indian Media Laws:

Unlike many books that focus on Western media laws,Media Laws and Ethics is rooted in the Indian legal framework. It has references of the laws like the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act and discusses landmark cases such as the Section 66A verdict, making it highly relevant for Indian journalism students and media professionals.

Media Glossary and Student Contributions:

A unique feature of this book is the inclusion of a media glossary and contributions from some of the students of Lady Shri Ram College, who helped compile case studies and key concepts. This makes the book more engaging and relatable for students, offering a fresh perspective on media laws and ethics. Credit given to them in the book is another inspiration for the students. 

Conclusion:

The book provides legal knowledge and encourages critical thinking about journalism’s ethical responsibilities. With discussion points at the end of each chapter, it pushes readers to reflect on real-world media challenges.

With its balanced mix of legal explanations, ethical discussions, and real-world examples, Media Laws And Ethics is an essential read for journalism students, educators, and aspiring media professionals. It helps readers understand the fine line between press freedom and journalistic responsibility, making it a must-read for anyone entering the field.

Written By:

Jiya Gupta

Semester 2

B.A. (Hons.) Journalism

Lady Shri Ram College for Women

Delhi University 

Links related to this book:

https://vartikananda.com/books/media-laws-and-ethics/

https://vartikananda.com/category/media-laws-and-ethics/

https://vartikananda.blogspot.com/2021/04/media-ethics-and-law-journalism.html

Media aur Bazar: Vartika Nanda: Year 2018

Editor: Dr. Vartika Nanda

Publisher: Samayik Book

ISBN: 978-93-80458-96-0

Year: 2018

Pages: 176

Price: ₹400

Media Aur Bazar is a crucial book pertaining in the field of journalism, written by 11media professionals of our contemporary times Vartika Nanda, Dilip Mandal, Sweta Singh, Sarika Kalra, Jai Singh, Rekha Sethi, Jaideep Karnik, Priyabhanshu Ranjan, Bageshree Chakradhar, Rahul Dev and Priyadarsan. This book is edited by Vartika Nanda who is a professor, writer and prison reformer. It was published by Samayik Books in 2018. 

This book is an important reading for those who are interested in media and its related fields, especially for students studying journalism, film, advertising and marketing. It provides a comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the topics from its origin to current scenarios which is important for concept building. As it is written in simple Hindi, it is easy to comprehend and gain a holistic idea.

The Chapters 

It has nine chapters, each chapter has been written by experts, critically analysing the relations of news media with market, public relations, democracy, advertising, cinema, social media etc. It attempts to answer many important questions like how do society, politics, media and market relate and influence each other? How does liberalisation of the Indian economy in 1991 change the ownership, objectivity and relationship of the media? How have government and private players used it to set their own agendas?

Patrakarita aur public relation: Ek duje ke liye is the first chapter, written by Dilip Manda, provides a comprehensive understanding of public relations from its beginning to contemporary day in India and other countries with the help of various case studies and figures. It explains its relationship with journalism, advertising and new media. It also explains how PR works in the favour of influential people and big companies. 

Bazarwad aur media is the second chapter, written by Shveta Singh. She has been working as a reporter, producer and anchor with various news channels for more than twenty years. Her current assignment is with Aaj Tak. This chapter explains how capitalism started in the 18th century and how the market and media depend on one another for their mutual profit. This chapter clearly explains the business model of the media houses and how sometimes the overdependence of media on influential people and the big companies becomes harmful for the welfare of the society. It also talks about maintaining balance between media and market.

Shweta Singh says “Hamari Duniya me kisi bhi cheez ko lekar ek soch ban jaati hai aur us lebal ko hata pana namumkin sa ho jata hai. Aisa hi ek lebal bazar ke maathe par chaspa hai”( In our world, a thought is formed about any thing and it becomes impossible to remove that label. Such a label is stuck on the top of the market) on page number 53 of this book.

Media and Loktantra is the third chapter, written by Sarika Kalra. This chapter provides answers to many important questions related to media, market and democracy. Has the fourth pillar of democracy failed or succeeded? How new media has evolved, changed and challenged the traditional media. 

Bazar me Cinema is the fourth chapter, written by Jai Singh who possesses experience of more than twenty five years in the field of Cinema and Television. It is an interesting chapter to read as it explores regional cinema like South Indian cinema, Bangla cinema, Bhojpuri cinema, Punjabi cinema and many others. It talks about Bollywood and Hollywood in detail. It also covers the business model of cinema and challenges it is facing.

Vigyapan, Media Aur Bazar is the fifth chapter, written by Rekha Sethi . This chapter explains how advertising is influencing different sectors including economy, society and politics. How it uses different strategies and plays with the psychology of the customers to spend more and more. Apart from these, it also covers how gender stereotypes, child market, celebrities’ role, consumer's rights etc shapes it, which provides the complete essence of this topic.

Chaurahe Par Khada Social Media is the sixth chapter, written by Jaideep Karnik, who holds vast knowledge and experience about digital media. This chapter examines the different aspects of new media like how the internet connects the whole world through social media, how it is shaping the world through e-commerce and marketing, why it is becoming a new space for freedom of speech and expression and what challenges it is facing.

Khabaro ke bazar me News agenciyan is the seventh chapter, written by Priyabhanshu Ranjan. It talks about all important dimensions of news agencies like how it started, what it is important, who owns news agencies, its revenue model, its relevance in today's world and its relations with print and electronic media. If you are a media student, you will learn so many things about news agencies from this chapter.

Media ke bazar me ubaau aur bikaau is the second last chapter, written by Bageshree Chakradhar. This chapter is thought provoking as the media become biased towards politicians and influential people sometimes and forget about social problems which should be raised. It also covers the merits and demerits of new media.

The last chapter is Naye bharat ka media which is written by Priyadarshan. This chapter critically analyses how Indian media have so changed that it loses its own power to challenge something wrong. How and when Indian media become a business instead of a public service and why is freedom of speech and expression becoming a rare thing.

Why to read this book:

If you are looking for the resources which delve deep in the above mentioned topics, then this book is interesting and worth reading as it provides holistic information about relations between media and market. The book will give you clarity regarding various aspects of journalism, enhancing your understanding and knowledge. 

Written By:

Rinki Kumari

Semester 2

B.A. (Hons.) Journalism

Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi Univeristy

Links related to Media Aur Bazar:

https://vartikananda.com/books/media-aur-bazar/

https://vartikananda.com/vn-ki-paathshala/media-aur-bazar-an-enlightening-discourse-on-the-commercialisation-of-media-and-its-implications/