Center for Media Development & Communication Rights

In recent years, India has witnessed significant changes in the media ecology due to the proliferation of digital technologies, social media platforms, and changing audience preferences. While these changes offer unprecedented access to information and platforms for public expression, they also raise concerns about misinformation, privacy violations, and the erosion of traditional journalistic standards. There are also concerns around issues of access, inclusion and mediated violence against the most marginalised communities including tribal, adivasi and indigenous peoples, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Consequently, there is a need to reflect on older technologies like radio, and support community-owned and managed local media that could foster inclusion and communication rights for all. The Center for Media Development & Communication Rights (CMDCR), established within the Jindal School of Journalism & Communication (JSJC) , intends to become the premier space for research and training on issues ranging from media literacy and ethics; to media policy and regulation, communication as a right, and the building of a diverse and inclusive ecosystem through capacity building & research. Founded by Prof.Venu Arora and Prof.N.Ramakrishnan, who teach the radio and television courses within JSJC’s journalism programme, CMDCR takes forward their extensive research experience and project work across India, South and South East Asia on developing new methodologies around participatory communication for social change; and participatory evaluation of communication interventions using ethnographic action research processes. It also expands on their work at the forefront of the community radio movement in India.