Mass Communication (335) | Set A • Code 71/SS/335/A

Information overload is a condition in which a person receives more information than can be efficiently processed, understood or used. The result may be confusion, difficulty in deciding what is important, reduced attention and mental fatigue. In digital media, continuous streams of news, messages, videos and social-media updates can create a particularly strong possibility of overload.

Two examples of new media are websites and mobile applications (apps). Other acceptable examples include social-media platforms, blogs, podcasts, online newspapers and online video platforms. New media are generally digital, interactive and capable of rapid distribution and user participation.

For the expected examination answer, write Guglielmo Marconi. Marconi is traditionally credited in textbooks with the development and practical application of wireless radio communication. Radio technology itself developed through the contributions of several scientists and inventors, but Marconi is the name normally expected for this textbook-style question.

The organisation is the Press Council of India (PCI). It is associated with maintaining standards of newspaper and news-agency journalism and with protecting both the freedom and responsibility of the press. It provides norms and adjudicatory mechanisms concerning journalistic conduct and professional standards.

Media convergence means the coming together of different media technologies, content forms and communication functions on common digital platforms. A smartphone, for example, can combine newspaper-style text, radio/audio, television/video, photography, messaging and social-media interaction. It therefore reduces the separation between traditional media forms and digital communication.

Mass media plays a major role in society by informing, educating and entertaining people. It provides news about public affairs, social issues, culture, education and development. Media also connects institutions and citizens, allowing public concerns and reactions to circulate. It can create awareness and contribute to social change by highlighting important issues. Because media influence what people know and discuss, accuracy, fairness and responsible communication are important responsibilities in a democratic society.

Three spoken-word formats are: (1) Announcements, which provide station, programme or public information; (2) Radio talk, in which a speaker discusses a specific subject for listeners; and (3) Radio interview, in which a presenter asks questions to a guest to obtain information, opinions or personal experiences. Other spoken-word formats include discussions, commentaries, documentaries and radio magazines.

Television programme production has three main stages. Pre-production involves idea generation, research, scripting, planning, scheduling, location selection and arranging people and equipment. Production is the actual recording or shooting stage, in which cameras, lighting and sound are used to capture the programme. Post-production involves editing, arranging shots, adding music, captions, commentary and other finishing elements before the final programme is prepared for transmission or distribution.

Public relations (PR) is a two-way communication process through which an organisation develops understanding and maintains relationships with its publics. Its importance lies in building goodwill, reputation and mutual understanding. PR helps organisations communicate with employees, customers, communities and the media, receive feedback, handle public issues and maintain a favourable relationship with stakeholders. Unlike a simple paid advertisement, PR relies strongly on communication, credibility, relationships and planned interaction.

Any four textbook examples are: (1) Press Information Bureau (PIB), (2) Publications Division, (3) Photo Division, and (4) Song and Drama Division. Other units mentioned in the textbook-era structure include Films Division, Directorate of Field Publicity, Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity, and Research, Reference and Training Division. For an exam answer, listing any four correctly named units is sufficient.

New media has a significant impact on youth by providing rapid access to information, education, communication, entertainment and creative opportunities. Young people can learn online, communicate across distances and create or distribute their own content. At the same time, excessive exposure can create information overload, distraction and reduced face-to-face interaction; online harassment and cyberbullying are additional concerns. Therefore, new media offers substantial opportunities, but responsible, balanced and critical use is important.

A radio station is generally organised into three main wings: the Programme Wing, Engineering Wing and Administration Wing. The Programme Wing plans, produces and presents programmes such as news, talks, interviews and music. The Engineering Wing looks after studios, microphones, control-room operations, transmitters and other technical equipment. The Administration Wing supports the station through staffing, finance and general administration. In functioning, programme content is created in the studio, monitored and technically controlled in the control room, and then sent to the transmitter for broadcast. The signal finally reaches listeners through radio receivers. Thus, programme preparation, technical processing and transmission work together as a single broadcasting system.