20. What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of the UNESCO? What is India's position on these? (CSE Mains 2016)GS-II 2016

                       There was concern that the communication, particularly mass media was dominated by developed countries. It was feared that their perspective, culture, and ideas gained prominence. The International Commission for study of Communication Problems was set up by UNESCO in 1977 to look into the issue under the chairmanship of McBride.

        Many Voice, One World was the 1981 UNESCO report submitted by the McBride commission. It’s aim was to look at the nature of communication and status of media in developed and developing countries.It analyzed the communication problem in modern societies, particularly in mass media and news.

        It considered the emergence of new technologies and the suggested new kind of communication order (New world and Communication Order) to ameliorate these problems. It concluded that imbalances in information and communication systems are as disturbing and unacceptable as social, economic, cultural and technological barriers.

        It suggested the democratization of communication technologies and strengthening of national media to avoid dependence on external sources.

        India welcomed the report. The Commissions Seminal session to address the problems was hosted  in New Delhi in 1979. India called for equitable access and took measures to further strengthen the national media. The Prasar Bharathi Act 1990 was enacted to provide legislative support.        

        US and UK slammed the report and quit UNESCO. Internet based technologies factored in the recommendations of the report and prioritized equal treatment. They have revolutionised communication and provide voice and access to people like never before.