Final Thoughts...

Covering India this semester for Global Media has taught me quite a bit about this interesting country. Not only have I gained more knowledge regarding India’s wide array of media outlets, but I have also learned about India’s rich and diverse culture. I have seen photos and videos of India ignite with deep passion and patronage for their country winning the 2011 World Cup Cricket Championship. I was able to experience the craze and influence of Bollywood and celebrity gossip in India, just as Hollywood and TMZ does for Americans.

I was definitely fascinated by all of the products and advertising that are used in India. Their commercials are very similar to what we would see here in the states. Whether an ad was for make- up, medicine, cellular phones or ketchup, India had a way of using western techniques and putting their southeastern spin on it. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the advertising and commercials I got to watch for this final project.

With over a billion people living in this country, India cranks out over 450 newspapers daily or weekly to satisfy the many languages spoken around the different regions. I found it ironic that out of all the printed newspapers that India distributes the country still had a very low literacy rate. People age 15 and over can read and write, bringing the total population of literacy to 61 percent. This low rate ranks India at 180 in the world mainly because females have a 47.8 percent rate as opposed to males have a 73.4 percent rate. I would think with all that reading material circulating the country, the literacy rate would be higher. However, I have to respect the Indian culture and the boundaries that it sets for its people, especially women. These numbers did discourage me, but seeing that the rate of literacy in India is rising little by little every year is something positive for the country to look towards.

Chart showing the rise of literacy in India.

Another interesting aspect of India is television shows and music offered in their language on MTV India. Many women and housewives love indulging in Indian soap operas and the latest Bollywood news. The country values entertainment just as much as Americans!

The country has a bit of censorship from the government, but for the most part, Indians are free to express themselves in media, so long as it does not directly violate National Security, or criticizes the government or religion too much.

I had a lot of fun covering India in this class and might even consider going there to experience it myself.