The vast media networks in India and China tend to puzzle the visitors to either of the countries because even though they exercise immense influence, especially in the domestic politics, the world knows very little about the media landscape in the two nations.
“Media At Work In China And India” a book edited by Robin Jeffrey and Ronojoy Sen, published by Sage India, helps readers to understand the complexities of the media in India and China, their similarities and differences. While it introduces the two media systems, the people who work in them, the work they produce and the pressures that influence their work, it also analyses how economic forces drives media, how newsrooms work and how governments in each country manage the coverage of disasters.
Shyam Saran, former Foreign Secretary who launched the book at India International Centre this week, shared with the audience his experiences of learning the Chinese language while delving on the telecommunication technology, the economy and the social changes in the two countries.
Many of the contributors to this volume who were present during the event shared their experience and perspectives with the gathering. Tang Lu, the Mumbai Bureau Chief for Xinhua News Agency who has penned the chapter “Experience: Understanding and Report India” spoke about her experience as a Chinese journalist here while Danny Geevarghesei, the chief news editor of China Central Television (CCTV), explained the functioning of Doordarshan News and CCTV.
Among others who spoke were journalists Subhomoy Chatterjee and Srinjoy Chowdhury. Dr. Ronojoy Sen, the editor of the book, drew attention to how the media in the two countries swung between praising and criticising the other over the years.
The book hopes to foster greater reflection, curiosity and, perhaps, even wisdom, about fast-changing media in these 21st Century powerhouses.
