Radio in the age of ICTs

Abstract

In the age of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), the traditional mass medialikeradio, televisionand newspaperare still capable of influencing socio-cultural changes specially health and hygiene related behavior even in indigenous communities.Over the years, communication scholars have attempted to examine every facet of mass media in terms of their roles in bringing outsocial development. Asystematic review of literature of their research findings show that mass media in general and radio broadcasting in particular continue to play an important role in spreading information about health,education, and politics as well as raising awareness about variousglobal and local social concerns. The All India Radio (AIR) has been playing a significant role in the empowerment of indigenous population of Arunachal Pradesh in northeast Indiaas majority of radio programmes are produced in indigenous languages or dialects in order to catertothe information and communication needs of indigenous communities particularly those living in the villages. While mass media can provide a platform for all public health communications,the role of radioin disseminating health information is significant as evidencedfrom its contribution to the COVID-19 infodemics.