Except assignment, i would like to express what i feel in this blog.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Media System
Brief Early History
At the beginning of the post- independence era, broadcasting was a state monopoly and the press was a private duopoly. Over the last half- century, the country’s media scene has changed considerably, with the government asserting a dominant role in press operations, while conceding the private sector a role in broadcasting operations. The Dutch set up the first printing press on island in 1737. The British producer the first regular publication- the weekly Government Gazette in 1802, the year when the country became a crown colony. The country’s press was largely unregulated from its beginning in1802 until 1973. The patronage of the colonial government and the commercial interests of the British colonists ensured a high degree of government – press harmony in the early history of the press. Governor R. W. Horton sponsored the first English newspaper “Colombo Journal” in 1832. In 1834, a group of English merchants started another biweekly, the Observer and Commercial Advertiser, the country’s oldest newspapers today.
The Sinhala press began in the provincial city of Galle with the publication of Lankaloka in 1860. However, Lakmini Pahana, which commenced on September 11, 1862 was the first Sinhala newspaper registered under the Newspaper Ordinance of 1839. In contrast to the pro- Western and pro- Christian bias of the English press, the Sinhala press exuded a remarkable pro- nationalistic and pro- Buddhist bias. “Lakrivikirana” which started as a weekly in July 1863, turned itself into the second Sinhala daily in 1896.
Muthulingham (1997) and Thillainathan (1997) have outlined the development of the Tamil press in srilanka. The early Tamil publications were religious and ethnonationalists in orientation. The main aim of the publications like Illangai Nasen and Sivabhimani is Hindu revivalism. The national Tamil press emerged with Jaffna- based Eelakesari (1930- 1958) and Colombo- based Virakesari (1930 onwards) and Thinakaran (1932 onwards). The last two are the country’s longest surviving Tamil dailies.
Print Media
The Association Newspapers of Ceyion Ltd (ANCL) and the Times of Ceylon Ltd are the two private newspapers groups which dominated the country’s press. It published the country’s morning dailies with the largest circulation in all three languages. It also published afternoom daily (Janatha), weekend papers (Silumina). The morning daily Lankadipa, an innovative newspaper started by journalist D. B. Dhanapala, commenced publishing another English daily, Morning Times in 1954. The recently ceased publication was Tamil daily ‘Mithram’.
The Swadeshi Newspapers Ltd made an unsuccessful attempt in the 1950s to capture a share of the daily newspaper market. It was the publisher of the nationalist weekly Sinhala Jathiya. A more successful challenge to the press duopoly took place when the country’s largest book publisher, M. D. Gunasena & Co. Ltd, formed the Independent News- Papers Ltd. Dhanapala left the Times Group to edit the new group’s flag bearer.
The country’s newspaper scene changed when the SLFP- led left- wing coalition passed the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. law and took over Lake House on July 20, 1973. The government subsidies, the company’s newspapers failed to achieve profitable circulation levels. The Independent Newspapers Ltd. closed down on December 26, 1990. Taking advantage of the emergency regulations, which had gone into force on March 16, 1971 to counter the JVP insurrection, the government sealed the group’s printing press and reintroduction press censorship on April 20, 1974. Internal problems, as well as the inability to compete with two newspaper groups that emerged in the 1980s with modern printing machinery, led to its demise less than 14 yrs.later. Ranjit Wijewardene, who lost the ownership of ANCL in 1973, re-entered the newspaper business with the establishment of the Wijeya Newspaper Ltd.
The Press
Policy and Legal Framework
Article 10 guarantees the freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Article 14 (1) (a) guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, including publication. Article 15 (2) states that this right “shall be subject to such restrictions as may be presented by law in the interest of racial and religious harmony or in relation to Parliamentary Privilege, contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence”. Article 15 (7) goes on to declare that the fundamental rights- right to equality; freedom from arbitrary arrest; freedom from arbitrary detention; and freedom of speech, assembly, association, occupation and movement. Udagama wrote that in the mid 1980s, the press was “almost totally under governmental control”. The establishment of a free and responsible press, what actually happened was “the creation of a press tightly controlled by the government which denied freedom of expression to the press and the public and also freedom of information to the public. Srilanka had no form of government control of the press until 1973.
Ownership and Financing
The radio and television which make up the apex of the broadcasting structure are public corporations.
Press freedom was suffered badly toward the late 1980s. Journalists were under threat from both the state and the insurgents. The PA government appointed an official committee to report on laws affecting media freedom and freedom of expression. After five years in power, the government has not gone beyond repealing which had given parliament the right to fine and imprison journalist. In 1997, Supreme Court in positive side rejected as unconstitutional the Srilanka Broadcasting Bill, which would have placed the annual licensing of privately owned audiovisual media under the political control of a government led authority.
Maldives
Maldivan press has a history of some 56 years with some form of organized press. The first newspaper is reported to be Al Islah. The other early newspapers are Sarukaaruge Khabaru and Viyaafari Miyaddhu. In early 1990, Gayoom initiated democratic reforms with particular attention on the freedom of press. The emergence of several “outspoken” magazines and journals, including Sangu and Hukuru, made the government and the elite skittish about a “free press”. By June, the government reversed its policy of liberalization and banned publications that it had not permitted. Writers and journalists were arrested (The Europe World yearbook, 1998; Freedom House, 1998). The conditions for press freedom remain a source of tension between journalists and the government. Maldives had two dailies, two weeklies, two monthlies, two fortnightlies and 38 different magazines. The country’s two dailies Haveeru and Aafathis were established in 1978 and 1979 respectively. The radio system, voice of Maldives was founded in 1962 and Television Maldives in 1978. Both are government operations.
The Press
The operation and regulation of the press should also b considered in the light of Islamic nature of the society. Foreign ownership of media therefore is restricted. Article 13 of the Maldivian Constitution guarantees the freedom of “speech and expression of thought, orally and in writing”. Press freedom is guaranteed and extended under Article13 and 14. More or less 30 other clauses and laws place limis on such freedom on such freedom.
Law no.47/78 requires the registration of newspapers and magazines with the Department of Information and Broadcasting. Articles 5 of law no.3/68 gives the publishers and journalists the right to express heir views, provided as outlined in article 8 of law no. 4/68, they donot touch on three things the law specifies as unconstitutional. In the Maldives, press censorship, while not extensive, is prevalent. Goverment closed down those publications that were critical and didnot have its "sancation".All the publications and circulated in the nation's capital of Male.
Broadcasting
Since Radio and Television are owned operated by the government, the degree of autonomy, who enjoyed the broadcasting system is unclear. Freedom house reported that the" government owned" radio and the "state-run television service pluralistic views".However, journalists practise self- censorship.
Ownership
The voice of Maldives(Radio)and Television on Maldives(channels7) are both government operated and funded. As a result activists are bound to press the Maldivian government to relax its grip on the media. Tension between the government counter insurgency efforts have caused defense expenditures to overshoot budget targets.
Culture
Maldives doesnot come under the influence of India in terms of media reach. Maldives magazines and newspapers from India find a hospitable audience in Maldives. This certainly raises a concern about cultural autonomy, through it has not been an issue so far. They are sensitive to the issue of cultural integrity. Broadcast news covers 47%, entertainment issue 29% by news, 18%religion, 6%education.
Financial Aspects
The afternoon daily Haveeru has a circulation of 4,500 while the morning Aafahis has a circulation of 300.The small population of the country dispersed in 20 atolls cannot support a multiplicity of media backed by advertising. The government subsidizes the press through minimal taxation on the media revenues and lowered registration fees which is helping in media development.
Bangaladesh
political bias in the media are common, although there is considerable controversy concerning the nature of this bias: neither liberals or conservatives are pleased.some have objected that the media often attack corporations. It's true, certainly, that this or that individual corporation may be subjected to media criticism, sometimes even harsh criticism—but it strikes us as significant that the sort of stringent and fundamental reforms needed to bring about real change are virtually never mentioned, let alone advocated.
Financial aspects
The government reported that "no less than 216 dailies and 180 weeklies" are published in the country while Dhaka alone has 73 dailies was 2.05 million while that of the English ones was 182,312. But those data are shown lower circulation while they are shown by other arganisation. Circulation is the basis of almost all print media revenue in Bangladesh, the publishers have not used a standard defination of newspapers sales.Indepent newspaper space sales agents also used inflated circulated figures to justify higher space rates and their commissions.The press in Bangladesh functions within a competitive structure just like other private bussiness. however, Bangladesh has a history of government intervention in the newspaper bussiness.Government cannot penalize the media any more but they can reward them profusely.
Radio
Radio Bangladesh funtioned as an independent government under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Information.Radio broadcasting continues to be a state activity.The recent power boost in Shavar and Comilla stations has brought the entire country within broadcasting range.The shortwave service operates on 4,880khz and 15,520khz in Shavar.
Television
In terms of television there seems a huge development.The operators pay an annual fee of Taka 25,000 for service in the four metropolitan cities of Dhaka, Chittagong,Rajshahi, and Khulna.The number of licensed in the country was estimatd to be 1.5 million. Community viewing has not yet become widespread because he government has not distributed that many tv sets free of cost.The average transmission time is about 9hrs daily except on sunday and saturday.Programming is generally slotted thus entertainment 55.3%,news 14.7% cultural/religious 6.8% educational 9.5% commercial9.1%and others 4.6%. More than 77% of broadcasts are in Bengali.
Bangladesh has 8 Internent service providers who use the 42 VSAT terminals that the Bangladesh Telegraph and television Broad has estimated to facilated high speed data communication services.Bangladesh publication are now accessible on the wed
Friday, September 4, 2009
Communication And Globalization
Communication means the process through which people can express their inner feelings by using different medium. Let's turn into the history at that time also people used to talk not in a word like todays. The mode of human communication has been changing with the changes in human society by including the development of technology.
Initially people started to talk with themselves which consists thoughts, emotions and feelings. Then it change into interpersonal communication. The thoughts, feelings or emotions which are processed in the brain must be expressed to another person. So, it is the communication between two persons physically located in the same place. It may also occur if they are physically separated too. The development form of interpersonal communication is group communication where groups came in many sizes and are organized in a great variety of ways. The larger the group the less personal and intimate possibility of sharing. Group group form inorder to be organizational communication. It has more participants as compared to group setting which creates more complexies too. To get over those complexies mass communication come. Though initally it is taken in a negative way. But today it transmits or delivers the message to huge mass at a time by using various mass media.
Communication and Globalization are inseparable with each other as they have close relationship. Here, Globalization means 'the name that is often used to designate the power relations, practies and technologies that characterize and have helped bring into being, the contemporory world.The person who has termed or coined the word as a 'GLOBALIZATION' is Marshal McLuhan. According to him, he has viewed mass media as the extension of human body. That has an implied meaning i.e. media donot bring the world to us but rather permit us to experience the world with a scope and depth. Just like a clothes are extension of our skin.
Today we are very familier with the word 'Globalization'.Today it occuies huge area where there is no any limitation. As a result it makes the world as a small village. When we talked about globalization the first thing that come in our mind is the use of modern effective technology. It is only because of globalization that people are not stick within their cultures only rather they prepare globalized cultures as it is being the part of human life.
According to the society's point of view they think we have reached in 'GLOBAL COMMUNITY' or global society. But from the perspective of communication's we are reached in 'MASS COMMUNICATION OF GLOBAL SCALE'. In a same way from media's point of view' it is the journey from local to global media'.
It isnot easy to come from ancient time to todays' modern Age. There are various difficulties on the way of development. Though technology helps to come over time and space. Ir is the globalization which has made possible to establish human structure. It has affected media and viceversa. At present the communication is from local to international. Various agenda are setting by media. Our knowledge is mediater. Our reality is known by media. It is a factor which brings people closer not only physically but also emotionally.There is a famous saying that' Think Globally, act locally'. Globalization always encourage people to think globally it has no any limitation. It is the process that fitfully brings various elements of world society together.It integrates and democratize the world's cultures, economy and infrastructure through transnational investment rapid proliferation of communication and information technologies and the impacts of free-market forces on local, regiona; and national economies.
In a nutshell, communication and globalization are inter related with each other. It may have negative aspects along with positive aspects too. But we have to see the positive aspects rather than negative as it is the multi- dimensional process.
(photo : http://www.upenn.edu/gazette/0507/images/cgcs_berkheiser.gif )
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Literary figure- HARIMANJUSHREE
In the occasion of New year2066 Red cross has launched a solo book exibition where Dr.Sureshraj Sharma vice chancellor of Kathmandu University, was the chief guest.Due to his busyness he was unable to give full time. ManjuShree is good in Grammar.He has worked as a journalist too. Reader can find simple and effectiveness word in his literature. His works can't be return by the price and prize though he has got several honour like 'Kulchandra Khorila Smriti Pratisthan', 'Roshi literature patra', 'saptahik madhammarga sadhana samman', 'Sunkoshi shahetyea pratisthan samman patra', 'Muktimarga darshan puruskar' e.t.c. He has contributed an important role in the field of literature. He becomes the idol of many people who wants to involve their life in literature.
At last but not least love and respect the work done by ai individual then you will get respect by other. Money is not everything all the time. Continuity and strong determination must be there to accomplish goal is the lesson I learn from his lifr
Madan Pustakalaya
Likewise,Nepal's first published book in 1821 can be seen here. According to this Pustakalaya, initally One Hundred Twenty-Two years, Three Thousand, Eight hundred books materials were published. among them Janga Bahadur's "Jangi Yen Da Holi Bible" was the oldest book published in 1821.
Thus, this pustakalaya carry an historical importance. It is only their duy to preserve it is ours too.
Position of Nepali film industry
- From the beginning,Nepalese movie industry has been facing serious competition fromIndian movie industry.In comparison with Bollywood in terms of quality,quantity,technical equipments and know-hows,Nepalese movie industry is Goliath.Every time,it is fighting against a DAVID named 'Bollywood'.The outcome is,Nepalese movie makers end up imitating Bollywood movies.
- According to Uddhav Poudel,producers,Nepali movie market demands 150 movies per year.Five years earlier,the condition of film industry was quite well.It produced 55 movies per year.Now the number has taken a nose dive between 12 and 15.
- ilmmaking started in Nepal around 1962. The state made three propaganda films between 1964 and 1971 and later formed Royal Nepal Film Corporation (RNFC) in 1974. RNFC made some films, developed some infrastructures and manpower. Even though some of the films made by RNFC became hits, it could not do much to develop the sector.
One film Maitighar was made as early as around 1966. But no other followed it. It took about 16 years for the private sector to come up with another film -- Juni. Unfortunately this proved a failure. Filmmaking was still a risky business and the government regulated it quite strictly.
In the 1970s, the government introduced a tax rebate policy. According to it, 50 percent (which was later increased to 65 percent) of entertainment tax would be rebated to the producers. This proved to be a major booster. Investment in film became a little more secure. Also, after 1980s, some relatively more creative films were made and they became successful too. Thus, filmmaking started to appear a little more viable profession and the number of productions increased a bit.
In 1990, the country witnessed an important political change. The people's movement brought the autocratic monarchy to its knees and democracy was restored. The society started to become open and vibrant. This had an important consequence for the fledgling film industry: it began to grow rapidly, or even to 'bloat', if one might call it so. There was an unprecedented growth in number of productions. Within a period of three years, some 140 films were made. Distribution started to develop. Market share in the existing market increased and the market itself expanded. Cinema halls increased to more than 300. Nepali filmmakers became optimistic of displacing Hindi films--which dominated and continue to dominate Nepali market.
But, towards the end of 1990s, Nepali films began to fare badly. Gradually, the film industry began to experience a very hard time, though productions did not cease altogether.
The major reasons for this were that the quantity of films outdid the capacity of the market and also most of the films lacked quality. Also, quite importantly, the violent war, started by the Maoists rebels in 1998, began to crumple the economy and deteriorate the security situation. Most of the cinema halls outside the urban centers had to be closed. The situation worsened after the king took over in 2005.
During the 90s, some filmmakers, mostly with non-fiction base, started championing for a new kind of cinema. They denounced the crude imitation of Bollywood esthetics and demanded indigenous esthetics and a more realistic approach. They made some films, which have received some critical acclaim at home and some international recognition.
The people's movement - 2 in April 2006, ousted the autocratic monarch for the second and, in all probability, for the last time. Democracy has been restored and the rebels have agreed to join the government and resolve the conflict peacefully.
This new political development has stirred Nepali film industry. There is a new hope and optimism. Also lately, there has been a common realization in the industry that the quality of the films needs to be bettered and that Nepali Cinema requires international exposure.
Radio Nepal( memoriable moment)
At first we were taken to Music studio. All were very excited when we saw musical instrument. Some were now busy to play the instrument and some to take photograph. "Music" is the topic for my assignment so I was taking an information from Tika Vandari. Our Ramchandra is also interested in music. Then we moved to Production studio1. Everyone were eagered to host the programe . Nabila and second year sister run a small and interesting program too. In the library we got a chance to meet a popular singer Meera Rana. Even there we wanted photograph and autograph with her no one wanted to missed an oppurnity. All the movies are keept savely.the most interesting thing for me was Rj running a programe. He has his own room no one is there and running with cheerful smile. While I was seeing the programe I was imaging myshelf. Now, I want to work in radio by being Rj. We were taken to an observation room too.
Radio Nepal was established on 1st April 1951. Initially, the transmission covered duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes through a 250 Watt SW transmitter. Over the years, Radio Nepal has strengthened its institutional capacity considerably and diversified itself in terms of programme format, technical efficiency and coverage. Radio Nepal airs programmes on Short Wave, Medium Wave and FM frequencies.
Radio broadcasting is the cheapest and quickest means of mass communications in Nepal. In a mountainous country like Nepal, radio broadcasting has proved to be a very effective medium for disseminating information, educating people and entertaining the masses. Radio Nepal recognizes that its primary obligation is to serve its listeners. It has been providing various programs aimed at creating mass awareness in its attempt to reflect the views of all sections of the society. The people in the hilly areas and many of the remote villages have little or no access to motorable roads nor to any communication and entertainment facilities. Illiteracy being a common feature among the people, little use is made of the newspapers, which have very limited and delayed circulation. Therefore, Radio has been the most suitable means of disseminating information and providing entertainment to masses in Nepal.
Thus, I get a chance to visit Radio Nepal but Sigh Durbar I can see only. No matter in future I will get a chance too.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Wall Climbing
It was yesterday 9th May when I climbed wall for the first time. I got chance to have a good experience. I told my friends to go too. Life must be full of adventures. We Nepalese are different from foreigners couldnot manage time for adventures. But we can go for wall climbing like tourists ultimately it helps in economic sector too.
ChanguNarayan
At present, Chackra Dharananda Rajopadhya is handling it .This impressive double roofed temple is said to be the most ancient Vishnu temple in the Kathmandu Valley. The original temple was built around the 4th century. The present pagoda-style temple was rebuilt in 1702 after it was destroyed by fire. It is located in a beautiful peaceful location, 4km north of Bhaktapur, on a hill top in the east side of the Valley. From the temple there are good views of the valley in three directions. The original 5th century stone deity of Lord Vishnu is said to be in the sanctum, but only the priest can see the deity.
The temple can easily be reached by taxi or bus, or it is an interesting walk from Bhaktapur or Nagarkot.
The temple is dedicated to Narayan, who is an incarnation (expansion) of Lord Vishnu. It has many old outstanding stone, wood, and metal carvings dating from the Lichhavai period. On the intricately carved painted roof struts of the temple are intricate carvings of the ten incarnations of Vishnu and goddesses.
A life size 5th century statue of Garuda, the carrier of Lord Vishnu kneels with his hands folded before the temple. Besides Garuda is one of the oldest Licchavi stone inscriptions. In front of the temple here is a statue of kneeling King Bhupatindra Malla and his queen.
There is a sixth century stone statue of Vishnu Viswarup, the universal form of Lord Vishnu that Lord Krishna showed Arjuna while speaking the Bhagavad Gita. On the Lakshmi Narayan Temple there is an 8th century statue of six-armed Trivikratha (Lord Vamana), and next to it is a statue of Lord Narasimha, the man-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Behind the last two statues is a little black slab that has an image of Narayan lying on the traditional serpent Ananta and above it Lord Vishnu with 10 arms and heads. In the northwest corner of the courtyard is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu riding on Garuda, which is on the Rs 10 Nepali banknote. Above the main door is Lord Vishnu holding his four symbols.
The beautifully gilded door is guarded by stone lions of it and has intricate gilded windows on either side. On four pillars in the four corners are the symbols representing Lord Vishnu: the chakra (disc) and conch shell, the lotus (padma), and club (gada).
Monday, May 4, 2009
Pappu maru Jhanga
Conserve Our Nuwakot
State of Recording Industry in Nepal
There are 60-70 registered recording studios in Nepal but only 20 of them are running. These studios not only records songs but also compose and arrange music for the singers. The recording studios also make add jingles, dubs film dialogue etc. most of the recording studios are run by the music composers. Talking about profit in this industry the studio owner’s life can be spent normally but the living standard cannot be raised by running a recording studio.
There is only one governmental recordind studio in Nepal i.e. Radio Nepal. Because of high chances of success in this field most of the recording studio are run solely and in context of Nepal all of the recording studios are sole business. Due to the advancement in technology in the present world recording has not been a tuff stuff. For example people had to gather in a single room of studio including singers and musicians and all had to play and sing in a balance which was very difficult and time eating task, but today the recording job has become very easy and fast even.
But again when we asked the owner of one of the finest recording studios of Nepal we came to learn that Nepal does not have any instrument required of its own. All the instrument and machinery products required are being imported from abroad which comes to be very expensive and people running the recording studios buy the duplicate product because they are far cheaper which in result gives low quality output. And it’s the main reason Nepal not being able to compete with other countries. Comparatively to India, Nepal is far back in both technology and quality. Therefore the quantitatively the state of recording industry is in a rise but qualitatively Nepal is still in grass root level.
Music Nepal is pioneering Music Company of Nepal. Registered as private limited company with capital of rs.200000 under industry act of government of Nepal in 1982. Music Nepal has over last twenty five years grown to be the largest music recording and publishing company of the country equipped with state of the art and technology in recording and duplication and capable of providing a one stop solution for all audio and video needs. From which it can be learnt that Nepal’s recording industrialists too has an international platform.
Working Journalist ACT- 2064
The working journalist act was made by King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev during his 23rd ruling period in order to provide right and facilities and to the working journalists. On august 2007 the amended bill on the working journalist act was passed by the parliament. The 1995 act has been widely criticized by the professional cricitics for being biased in favor of the owners of the media. According to the newly enacted bill media houses will not be allowed to keep more than 15% of the working journalists on contract basis that must be entitled to provident fund and other facilities being given to parliament journalists. Likewise media houses will have to cover the media treatment and provide compensation to working journalists in case of accident while on duty. A 13 member committee will be formed to determine minimum salary of working journalists. There are provisions in the bill that require media houses to spend a minimum of 1% of their annual income for capacity building activities of the journalists. It is also said that if media houses failing to follow these provisions will be deprived of government advertisement and may even face ban on imports from abroad.
Working journalists’ act 2051 was amended in 2062. According to the amendment the person like news reader, program director, translator, editor of language, presenter is also included inthi8s act as journalist. After providing job reporter should be informed in press registration. The weakness for not being able to implement this act goes to government, publication institute and working journalist themselves. Journalist used to work before getting the offer letter. In order to implement this act press council used to give pressure but it is fruitless.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
America, dreamland...a way to Hell.
Another true story is about Maya who also got the DV. She returned Nepal after 4 years. Before going to the USA, she was engaged. Now she too doesn't care much about that.
When people talk about America they seem to be very happy.If they got chance to go then that moment will be the happiest moment. But i don't think that America can give happiness to people if we consider the above two examples. People are so crazy about America that they don't give any importance to other thing which is not at all fair.
I'm very surprised with those people who break up their relation after going to America. It may not be true but i think people change with time and situations.