History Notes Chapter 5 Class 10 Maharashtra Board

Introduction to Mass Media

Definition: Mass Media refers to methods of communication that reach a large number of people.

Mass: A large group of people.
Media: Various ways of sharing information, like newspapers, radio, TV, etc.

Purpose: It allows information to be sent quickly to faraway places.

Historical Example: In the past, kings used criers who beat drums and shouted news in streets to inform people. News also spread by word of mouth.

History of Mass Media

Evolution of Mass Media

Ancient Times:
- In Egypt, royal decrees were written on inscriptions and displayed in public.
- Emperor Ashoka in India used similar methods to communicate with his subjects.
- In the Roman Empire, papers with royal orders and news were distributed. During Julius Caesar’s time, Acta Diurna (daily acts) was placed in public areas.
- In the 7th century, China distributed royal orders publicly.
- In England, handouts about wars or events were shared, and travelers spread news from distant places.

Newspapers

Definition: A newspaper is a printed publication that shares news, editorials, opinions, and entertainment regularly.

Role: Provides local, national, and international news. Acts as a historical record of events.

Introduction in India:

- Newspapers came to India with the British.
- They were the first mass medium to share information widely.

Key Newspapers:

- Bengal Gazette (1780):
  - First English newspaper in India, started by James Augustus Hickey.
  - Also called Calcutta General Advertiser.
- Darpan (1832):
  - Started in Mumbai by Balshastri Jambhekar, the first editor of a Marathi newspaper.
  - Covered political, economic, social, and cultural news.
  - Example news: East India Company’s administration, Russian threat, city cleanliness, widow remarriage, and theater in Calcutta.
- Dnyanoday:
  - Printed maps of Asia (1842) and Europe (1851).
  - First Indian newspaper to print an illustration.
  - Covered news like the telegraph, railways (Chakya Mhasoba), and the 1857 Indian War of Independence.
- Prabhakar:
  - Started by Bhau Mahajan.
  - Published news about the French Revolution and Shatpatre (letters by Lokhitvadi for social awareness).
- Induprakash: Supported widow remarriage.
- Deenbandhu:
  - Started by Krishnarao Bhalekar (Mahatma Phule’s associate).
  - Focused on issues of the common people (Bahujansamaj).
- Kesari and Maratha (1881):
  - Started by Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
  - Discussed social, political, and national issues.
  - Kesari published articles on books, politics in England, and national situations.

Importance: Newspapers created social awareness and are considered the fourth pillar of democracy.

Magazines and Journals

Definition: Periodicals published weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.

Examples:

- Digdarshan: First Marathi monthly magazine, started by Balshastri Jambhekar.
- Pragati: A historiographical journal started in 1929 by Tryambak Shankar Shejwalkar, focusing on Maharashtra’s history and social movements.
- Bharatiya Itihas ani Samskruti and Marathwada Itihas Parishad Patrika: Marathi journals on Indian history.
Role: Provide detailed information and research on history and culture.

Electronic/Digital Journalism

Modern Media: Includes web news portals, social media, YouTube, and web channels.
Purpose: Shares historical content with a wide audience quickly.

Radio

History:
- Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC): First private radio company to broadcast daily programs.
- Taken over by the British and renamed Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS).
- Renamed All India Radio (AIR) on June 8, 1936.
- After independence, AIR became part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Renamed Akashvani on poet Pandit Narendra Sharma’s suggestion.
Programmes:
- Broadcasts entertainment, awareness, and literary programs.
- Special programs for farmers, workers, youth, and women.
- Vividh Bharati broadcasts in 24 regional languages and 146 Indian dialects.

Modern Radio: Channels like Radio Mirchi provide radio services.

Television

History:

- Started in India with Delhi Doordarshan on September 15, 1959, inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
- Mumbai Doordarshan began on May 1, 1972.
- Color TV introduced on August 15, 1982.
- Private national and international channels allowed in 1991.

Role: Shows live visuals of events, crossing limitations of newspapers and radio.

Why Do We Need Mass Media?

Free Flow of Information: Ensures all sections of society get information.

Components of Newspapers:

- Editorials, columns, and supplements provide in-depth information.
- Readers can voice opinions, strengthening democracy.

Television:

- Audio-visual medium that shows events as they happen.
- No other medium matches TV for live event coverage.

Critical Understanding of Information

Need for Critical Review:

Information in media may not always be true.
Example: German magazine Stern published fake diaries of Adolf Hitler, which were initially believed to be real.

Action: Always verify and analyze media information carefully.

Mass Media and Professional Opportunities

Newspapers:

- Provide fresh news and background context, often using history.
- Compare current events with past events for better understanding.
- Columns like 50 Years Ago or 100 Years Ago use historical records.
- Publish supplements or special issues for events like the 100th year of World War I (2014) or 75 years of the Quit India Movement (2017).

Radio:

- Akashvani preserves speeches, like those by prime ministers on August 15.
- Invites historians for discussions on historical events or leaders’ anniversaries.
- Programs like On This Day in History rely on historical knowledge.