Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The McBride Commission, officially known as the International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems, was established by UNESCO in 1980 under the chairmanship of Seán MacBride. It emerged from the debates surrounding the New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO), a movement spearheaded by developing nations in the 1970s and 80s. These nations felt marginalized by the dominance of Western media and sought a more equitable global flow of information. The Commission aimed to analyze communication problems and propose solutions, particularly concerning imbalances in information access and dissemination. Understanding its aims is crucial to appreciating India’s complex relationship with the NWICO and the Commission’s recommendations.
Aims and Objectives of the McBride Commission
The McBride Commission’s report, “Many Voices, One World,” outlined several key aims and objectives:
- Addressing Information Imbalances: The primary goal was to rectify the perceived imbalances in the global flow of information, where developing countries were largely recipients of news and content from developed nations.
- Promoting Media Diversity: The Commission advocated for greater diversity in media ownership and content, challenging the dominance of large, multinational media corporations.
- Strengthening National Media Systems: It emphasized the importance of strengthening national media systems in developing countries to enable them to produce and disseminate their own content.
- Free Flow of Information with Ethical Considerations: While advocating for a free flow of information, the Commission stressed the need for ethical considerations and responsible journalism, countering propaganda and misinformation.
- Right to Information: The report recognized access to information as a fundamental human right, essential for democratic participation and development.
- International Cooperation: It called for increased international cooperation in the field of communication, including technology transfer and training programs.
India’s Position on the McBride Commission
India was initially a strong supporter of the NWICO movement and the McBride Commission. This support stemmed from several factors:
- Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): As a leading member of the NAM, India shared the concerns of developing countries regarding media imperialism and the need for a more equitable global information order.
- Sovereignty Concerns: India believed that a free flow of information should not come at the expense of national sovereignty and cultural identity.
- Developmental Priorities: India saw the strengthening of its national media as crucial for achieving its developmental goals, including education, healthcare, and economic progress.
However, India’s position evolved over time. Concerns arose regarding potential restrictions on press freedom and the possibility of government control over media content. Specifically:
- Press Freedom Concerns: The emphasis on “responsible journalism” was viewed by some as a potential justification for censorship and limitations on journalistic independence.
- Shift in Foreign Policy: With the end of the Cold War and India’s economic liberalization in the 1990s, its foreign policy priorities shifted, leading to a more pragmatic approach to international relations.
- Rise of Private Media: The growth of a vibrant private media sector in India challenged the earlier emphasis on state-controlled media.
Consequently, India gradually distanced itself from the more radical aspects of the NWICO agenda, while continuing to advocate for a more balanced and equitable global information order. India now emphasizes the importance of multilateral cooperation and the promotion of media pluralism, but remains cautious about any attempts to impose restrictions on press freedom.
Comparison with other stances
| Country | Initial Stance (1980s) | Current Stance |
|---|---|---|
| India | Strong supporter of NWICO and McBride Commission | Cautious support for equitable information order, emphasis on press freedom |
| USA | Strongly opposed to NWICO, viewed it as censorship | Continues to advocate for free press and opposes government control of media |
| Soviet Union | Supported NWICO as a counter to Western media dominance | No longer exists as a unified entity; successor states have varied stances |
Conclusion
The McBride Commission, born out of the NWICO debate, aimed to address significant imbalances in the global flow of information and promote media diversity. India’s initial support reflected its commitment to the NAM and its developmental priorities. However, evolving geopolitical realities and the rise of a dynamic private media sector led to a more nuanced position, prioritizing press freedom alongside a desire for a more equitable information landscape. While the NWICO itself largely faded, the concerns raised by the McBride Commission regarding media concentration and information access remain relevant in the digital age.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.