Mass Communication & Media

The emergence of electronic media can be traced back to the 20th century when the first radio stations were established. In India, the first radio station was started in Bombay by the Radio Club of Bombay. After 4 years in 1927, the Indian Bombay Company was also formed and regular broadcasting programs started running by 1930. Continuous improvements were taking place in the media industry, and the year 1936 marked a major event in the field of electronic media when IBC was nationalized and renamed All India Radio. 

All India Radio played an integral role in the Indian freedom struggle and thus contributed to the nation-building process. Another wave of progress arose with the introduction of television in 1959, with the launch of an experimental station in New Delhi. Though radio broadcasting from that center started in 1965 and Doordarshan came into the picture in 1975.

Another major upheaval in the Electronic Media industry happened in 1990 at the time of liberalization. With that, emerged the first private TV channel, ZEE TV, in 1992. This launch led to a chain of several other television channels like Sony Entertainment and Star Plus. The emergence of the internet happened in the 1990s, and it changed the entire landscape of the electronic media industry. In 2023, there were almost 800 million internet users consuming content through social media and various digital platforms. 

Electronic Media is a wider term and includes various forms of digital media to disseminate information. In the coming section, we will discuss more about different electronic media forms. To have a better understanding, keep reading the article.

1. Television: There are various types of media and channels under television.              

• Broadcast Television: The most traditional and the earliest mode of digital communication wherein signals are transmitted from airwaves to antennas. 
• Internet Television (or Smart Television): The form of televisions usually known as smart TVs nowadays are the most common form of Electronic Media. The information is transferred via the internet on various streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime. 
• Cable Television: The mode of digital communication where cable networks are used for the transfer of information. It operates on a greater level of programming.

2. Radio: There are different various of radio broadcasting that are being used as a means of communication. Some of the forms are mentioned below:

• Traditional Radio Broadcasting: Over-the-air transmission method is used to transfer radio waves.
• Digital Radio: HD Radio and Digital Audio Broadcasting methods are used to provide better audio quality. 
• Internet Radio: radio stations are broadcast all over the internet for global reach.

3. Online Platforms: 

• Websites: Online websites covering images, videos, and other multimedia means to spread messages and content on different topics.
• Social Media: different social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are used to create and share content that adds value to people's lives. 
• Blogs: Blogs are used as a mode to share opinions, views, and information at both personal and professional levels. 

4. Streaming Platforms:

• Video Streaming Services: It includes platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Disney + Hotstar
• Music Streaming Services: It includes different audio streaming platforms like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music with a huge music gallery and a large number of podcasts.          

5. Digital News Platforms 

•  News Websites: Online news websites like Mint and Hindustan Times that provide information through articles and videos.
• News Apps: News Applications like the Economic Times provide news information through applications installed on smartphones.

6. Video Sharing Platforms

Video-sharing platforms like YouTube are used to spread useful messages, content, and news information through long-form videos and YouTube shorts.

7. E-books and Digital Publishing 

Digital books and publications by different authors provide online reading options to avid readers. It allows readers to read and learn through tablets and computers.

The current scenario of Electronic Media is very vast. With time, the Internet is becoming an important source of news and entertainment. India has over 200 radio stations and 800 national channels. The 21st century is the era of the digital era where the internet is pacing at a higher level. Social Media Platforms like Facebook and YouTube have become integral tools for information dissemination and public discourse.

Digital News channels and streaming platforms are used to spread content through articles, audio, and videos. As per the latest research, Electronic Media is growing exponentially and by 2025 the revenue of the entire digital media industry is going to touch $15 billion.