What are the aims and objectives of the
McBride Commission of UNESCO?
What is India’s position on these?
Introduction
The McBride Commission, officially the International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems, was established by UNESCO in 1977. It was tasked with studying global communication problems, particularly the imbalances in information flow between nations.
Aims and Objectives of the McBride Commission
- Aims: Analyze communication problems, identify obstacles to free and balanced information flow, and propose a 'New World Information and Communication Order' (NWICO).
- Objectives: Promote equitable information exchange, reduce communication inequalities, foster media responsibility, and support communication development in developing countries.
India's Position
India largely supported NWICO principles, advocating for greater equity, balance, and self-reliance in communication for developing nations. It emphasized countering Western media dominance and cultural imperialism, promoting a diverse global information landscape. While supporting free flow, India also stressed media responsibility and accountability, without advocating state control.
Conclusion
The Commission's report, 'Many Voices, One World,' significantly influenced international media discourse, advocating for a more just and equitable global communication system.
144 words · target ~150
The directive 'explain' requires providing a clear, detailed account of the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission and India's position on them, clarifying their meaning, purpose, and implications.
Suggested structure
Introduction to the McBride Commission and its context
Aims and Objectives of the McBride Commission
Key Recommendations of the Commission (briefly)
India's Position on the McBride Commission and NWICO
Conclusion: Significance and impact
Key points
McBride Commission (International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems) was established by UNESCO in 1977 to study communication issues globally.
Aims: To analyze communication problems, identify obstacles to free and balanced information flow, and propose measures for a 'New World Information and Communication Order' (NWICO).
Objectives: Promote free and balanced information flow, reduce communication inequalities, foster media responsibility, enhance public participation in communication, and support communication development in developing countries.
India's Position: Generally supported the NWICO principles, advocating for greater equity, balance, and self-reliance in communication for developing nations.
India emphasized the need to counter Western media dominance and cultural imperialism, promoting a more diverse and representative global information landscape.
While supporting free flow of information, India also stressed the importance of media responsibility and accountability, without advocating for state control over media.
Common mistakes
Confusing the McBride Commission with other international commissions or initiatives.
Not knowing the specific aims and objectives of the commission, providing only generic statements.
Misrepresenting India's position as either fully endorsing state control of media or completely rejecting any regulation.
Failing to link the commission's work to the concept of the 'New World Information and Communication Order' (NWICO).
Difficulty: Hard — This question requires specific historical knowledge about an international commission (McBride) and its recommendations (NWICO) from the late 1970s/early 1980s, which is not a frequently discussed contemporary topic in UPSC preparation. It also demands understanding India's nuanced position on a specific international communication debate from that era.