Media has always been a definite stakeholder in terms of society and public policy. Its scope and objectives are not just limited to its work periphery but it acts as an immense part of society that is responsible for creating better values of social welfare and development. Looking at its growth from traditional approach to the current use of technology, media has been very comfortable in terms of migration and adaptation but when it comes to leading the issues and problems of internet governance, media slides back in a lame role of providing support for the dialogue process. The hesitation of media for acceptance of its role as a stakeholder certainly highlights the concept of lack of awareness and capacity building associated with the overall internet governance process.
Looking at it from a close eye, the US election issue has been cherry on the cake this year all over the world. There was huge concerned raised about the authenticity and validation of media prediction and its role towards public sentiment.
“Media strongly drives the people’s choice and preference” this statement was strongly confronted and challenged during the US election. Another aspect that came up was the issues of Cyber-attack (DDoS) on Social Media and other news platform that were targeted during the election time. On Fridays October 21 the massive attacks distributed denial of service (DDoS) shutting down a series of popular news, entertainment and business websites in United States throughout the day. The attack was so massive that it was not only aimed at the web platform but it was aimed at damaging the DNS infrastructure. The attack not only scoped the vulnerability of internet but it also highlighted the vulnerability of media at its peak of US election and how it was isolated.
Few of the experts also highlighted the importance and value of new making process in the internet world. And why it was targeted for making a statement about the power of media for raising issues and creating a buzz.
From bringing news to setting new trends to creating better values, Media plays a key role in spreading awareness and creating buzz among the public. It sets new trend and has been responsible for creating better opportunity of business and value of marketing. The definition of media and its role is also changing with the scope and role of internet. The mobile technology and internet has made it possible for the media to be more dynamic. The news making process has also evolved in various ways of creating better opportunity and reach among the popularity with social media and other applications of web platform.
The new age of media has not only challenged the orthodox method of slow and processed communication but it definitely has created different dimensions of role and scope. Creating better opportunity of socializing and networking media is adapting and adjusting individual user behavior at various form of Viral, citizen journalism and blogging prospective.
Though there has been a significant growth and development in the field of media and communication but the traditional values and prejudices associated with traditional media still pulls it back from opening up to the round table discussion of internet world. Yes, the media world has certainly accepted technology and internet as an integral part of its cooperation and development but when it comes to defining its aspect of contribution towards the internet governance process it simply slides back either in Private sector or civil society role. It has been very rigid in terms of opening up especially with core issues of technology and communication medium.
Another aspect to the transformation is Media has always been a key player for the development of human evolution, it enjoys the recognition of being one of the major leading players in public policy. With the rapid development and adaptation of Internet Technology, media certainly holds its share of experiences and values. The contemplation of media under Internet or Internet under Media is a huge discussion where things are changing rapidly and constantly. The transcending and transformation process may be an issue but looking at it from a developing countries point of view there are more concrete answer.
Main reasons for media not coming up in the IG process
- Lack of awareness and capacity building of internet governance process
- Hesitation of role
- Private sector and Civil society helps it’s to shadows behind and maintain its rigidity
- Media has been independent but it always has its vulnerability of revenue management
- The revenue generation objective vs the public welfare policy
- Open standards simply instigates the whole process
- Lack of clarity and association of core values of internet
Role of Media
- Media role for information dissemination /Awareness
- Media role for Capacity building
- Media role as a Facilitator
- Media role for policy making
- Media role in Identifying and highlighting problems (victim)
- Media role for Communication
- Media role for Collaboration and Trust
- Media role for innovation
Shreedeep Rayamajhi
