“CGNet Swara Encourages Us to Participate and Bring About Change”: Analyzing the Role of Media and Development

Abstract

AbstractFocusing on the idea of communication as an intrinsic part of culture and as a vehicle of transformation (Carey, 2002). A cultural approach to communication. McQuail’s reader in mass communication theory, 36–45.). A cultural approach to communication. McQuail’s reader in mass communication theory, 36–45.), this chapter seeks to look into the concept of citizen journalism as a powerful tool of development communication in India. (Melkote, S. R. (2003). Theories of development communication. International and development communication: A 21st-century perspective, 129–146.). Theories of development communication. International and development communication: A 21st-century perspective has underlined the key concepts in this field as communication, modernization, development, participation and empowerment, which also forms the basis of the dominant paradigm in the area. While these central ideas are intrinsically fused, this chapter is particularly interested in the ideas of participation, empowerment and the social process of development as envisaged by concepts of participatory action research (PAR) and how they are enhanced and encouraged through citizen journalism. Through qualitative in-depth interviews with the reporters, audiences and other stakeholders of the CGNET Swara; a citizen journalism outlet operating in extremely resource poor areas in India, this chapter hopes to contribute to this area by examining the role of citizen journalism and its contribution to social change by engaging communities and enabling them to become the main agents of this transformation.KeywordsCGNET SwaraParticipatory journalismDevelopmentMediaChhattisgarh