Social Dimensions of Media Convergence in India

Abstract

The current decade has witnessed rapid technological advances that have triggered off changes in the delivery system of providing information and the kind of information delivered to the society. Digitalisation, with its unique feature of carrying different technologies through a single pipe, is the driving force for convergence eliminating the distinction of various media of information dissemination. This convergence is in different areas of fixed and mobile telecommunications, television and radio broadcasting, imaging, video, audio recording, transmission, distribution, data communications, computer networks.1 This has resulted in far reaching changes in the communication scenario and the way we conduct our business and transactions. It implies changes at all levels – technology, content, reach and marketing.2 Convergence is perceived as an enabler of the information society. India is one of those countries, where media convergence is likely to be accelerated and in the near future, Indian society will no longer be influenced by one media alone. This convergence will have significant and far-reaching implications and impact on Indian society.