Western Europe: Media System

Media systems vary throughout the world. Western European media prospers under guarantees of freedom of expression. Western Europe includes the countries like Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Austria

The Austrian constitution guarantees freedom of press and no state ownership of the media. The most significant economic and political development resulted from Austria's joining the European Union.

Political party ownership of newspapers appeared to be a safe guard against the type of censorship and propaganda which had existed under the Nazis, but the role of parties in the press decline throughout the late twenties.

A high standard of living and a long life expectancy ( Women- 81 years and Men- 75 years ) created a strong market for print media. ¾ of Austrians read a daily paper spending a half hour.

DATA:

Daily- 16

Television stations- 45

Television sets- 4,250,000

Radio stations- 63

Radio receivers- 6,080,000

Individuals using computers- 2,270,000

Individuals using computers with Internet access- 2,100,000

Print media appeared subject to change only through economic concerns, an examination of the membership of organizations such as the Association of Austrian newspapers, the Austrian Press Agency or the board of trustees for journalists training revealed very few women or minorities. Journalism and its leadership appeared to be securely in the hands of the interlocking hierarchies of government, Catholicism and the established business community.

United Kingdom

DATA:

Daily- 104

Circulation- 19,052,000

Non Daily- 467

Circulation- 6,246,000

Television stations- 228

Television sets- 30,500,000

Radio stations- 653

Radio receivers- 84,500,000

Individuals using computers- 20,190,000

Individuals using computers with Internet access- 18,000,000

 Newspapers readership had been in long term decline over a 40 years period, but the United Kingdom remained one of the nations with the most avid newspaper read.

The London based national press predominated as Vienna in Austria. As business concerns newspapers were locked in an increasingly and intensely competitive commercial environment as other media competed for the newspapers audience and advertising revenues.

Ownership remained highly concentrated and had become increasingly global. In addition, cross media ownership has become more pronounced in the past generation.

The British press is one of the most free in the world British press remaining largely self regulated.

Belgium

DATA: 

Dailies- 28

Circulation – 1,568,000

Television stations- 25

Television sets- 4,720,000

Radio stations- 87

Radio receivers- 8,075,000

Individuals using computers- 3,500,000

Individuals using computers with Internet access- 2,326,000

Belgium's situation as the economic and leadership of the EU also influences the development of its press coverage.

Belgium does not license, license or imprison journalists for their investigative work. Documented cases of censorship and fines are closely monitored.

On one hand Belgium press access is expanding with the daily increase of media outlets on the Internet, on the other the coverage offered in the mainstream newsprint is becoming more streamlined with the media merger between Dutch and Francophone press. Smaller political and social movements find the Internet a friendly option for their ideas and publications as they increasingly find the print media close to online media.

Switzerland

Switzerland's small geographical size and population has a remarkably rich press tradition. It has alone promoted a stable political, social and economic system particularly throughout 20^th century.

DATA: 

Dailies- 104

Circulation – 2,666,000

Non Dailies – 124

Circulation – 723,000

Television stations- 115

Television sets- 3,310,000

Radio stations- 119

Radio receivers- 7,100,000

Individuals using computers- 3,600,000

Individuals using computers with Internet access- 2,134,000

Newspapers serve distinct linguistic groups and meet the strong demand from a highly educated, affluent and independent readership that still relies on printed media for information analysis and orientation. Concentration of ownership and newspapers shutdowns is mainly due to economic factors rather than by political considerations.

Freedom of press is taken both literally and figuratively. In contrast to the print media, the Swiss broadcast media has always been under greater control of the federal government, particularly in the areas of financing and licensing.

Expansion of the availability of news and information sources is mainly due to access to electronic media. Even in this case economic factor is responsible for the betterment of online services.

France

Until 1982, radio and television stations were under state monopoly.

DATA: 

Dailies- 86

Circulation – 879,900

Television stations- 584

Television sets- 24,800,000

Individuals using computers- 17,920,000

Individuals using computers with Internet access- 8,500,000

The French press was challenged in many ways firstly through economic depression and then by the information revolution. As France struggled to make room for new technologies, it lost the privileged position occupied by the printing press.

Journalists struggled with an increasingly competitive market and a redefinition of their competencies roles and status defending the democracy and the freedom of the press.

Spain

The privatization of media industry is one of the significant trends for the press of Spain. The audiovisual market has overtaken the traditional print media. Three important political events helped shape the press today:

a. The rise of the second republic

b. The Spanish civil war and subsequent triumph of General Francisco Franco.

c.The death of Franco and the transition of democracy.

During fourty years of Franco's dictatorship, the government had all control over all forms of media. Censorship was exercised and dissent was not tolerated. Today, with press freedom there is democracy. The audience for radio news in Spain is greater than that of print media but smaller than that of television.

DATA: 

Dailies- 136

Circulation – 4,300,000

Non-dailies – 10

Circulation – 5,827,000

Television stations- 224

Television sets - 16,200,000

Radio stations - 924

Radio receivers – 13,100,000

Individuals using computers - 45,800,000

Individuals using computers with Internet access – 5,388,000

It is estimated that over 90% of the population watches television daily. On average Spaniards watch more than 3 hours of television per day not only at home but also in bars and cafes, and are crazy about football matches.

Communication and Globalization

Communication is " the exchange of thoughts messages or information as by speech, signals, writings or behaviour ". Communication can be considered as a process or human act or a kind of discipline of knowledge. As process, communication is such system where different entities are engaged in a specific manner. When human get engaged in the process of communication it is human communication. Human beings live in communication as communication is at the heart of human existence.

Communication process involves sharing of information, thoughts, knowledge. communication is not possible without both the parties i.e sender and receiver. There should always be cooperation and understanding between sender and receiver and also should have mutually acceptable code of signals (e.g language). The sender encodes the message and sends it through a channel or medium. The receiver receives the message ,decodes it and understand it. Communication can be verbal and non- verbal and to understand the message easily there should be uniformity between verbal and non- verbal communication. If any conflict occurs between a verbal message and a gesture or facial expression, there is a rather strong tendency to believe the non- verbal communication.

Human are engaged in different levels of communication.Intra- personal, interpersonal, group, organizational, mass communication. Comparing the levels of communication with the society. The components of society is individual, pair, group, combination of various groups and then mass(large number of groups or people).

Mass communication is that branch of communication process which is concerned to communicate large number of people simultaneously.The term mass communication was coined in 1920's.Mass communication is generally identified in the modern mass media.In other words, it is machine assisted.

Mass media is shorter form of mass communication media. The term media is broader, including all forms ranging from inter- personal to mass. Mass media is a means of public communication reaching a large number of audiences. Not all media are those communication vehicles such as newspapers, radio, t.v., film, online etc.which reach mass populations. These are the means that carry massages to mass audiences. Classification of mass media is done according to the technology involved. Mass media is classified in two broad categories: Print media and Electronic media. Print media: books, newspapers, magazines. Electronic media: broadcast media (radio and t.v), film(feature film, ad film, documentary),online. Mass media are for the assistance of human sensory organs. That is why Marshal McLuhan had viewed mass media as the extension of human body.

Media is not bringing the world to us but rather permitting us to experience the world with a scope and depth. Media is connecting us. Media is the important factor to bring people close not physically but communicationally, emotionally from the point of view of information. Mass media is changing due to technology by coverage and coverage has also changed mass media. Due to mass media, humans become able to conquer over space and time.

Globalization is growing global interconnectedness. It represents a social relationship that shows the process of local becoming global. New structure of human society is globalization.

In context to the society,
Single Society/ Community -------- Global community.

In context of communication,
Intra- communication -------- Mass communication of global scale/ Global communication.

In context of mass media,
Local -------- Global.

We should always " Think globally and act locally" which could be very beneficial.

According to the historians, they have identified globalization as a 20th century phenomenon connected to the rise of the western dominated international economy. Some other historians take 16th century Europe as the original source of globalization. There is some argument about globalization between 16th and 20th century however, globalization is the contemporary world order. Mass media have played significant role in bringing the society into the globalization phase. The process of globalization has affected mass media in various ways.

In case of Nepal, the process of globalization started after the restoration of democracy in 1990. The term globalization is understood in Nepal as 'Americanization' or 'Westernization'.

Globalization in the media sector is not just about the technology innovations used to communicate over long distance but it refers to exchange and intermingling of cultures from different parts of the world.

STATE OF FILM INDUSTRY IN NEPAL

Filmmaking in Nepal started in 1962. In 1974, a board was formed for the development of film industry called as Royal Nepal Film Corporation. Between the year 1964-1971 three propaganda films were produced. In 1990, there was a political drastic change. Within 3 years of time, 150 films were made. Distribution were increased. Market shares reached to its peak. Cinema halls were increased. Post 1990, film industry expanded. If before 1990 1-10 films were made per year the number of films were 50 per year in post 1990’s.
The first ever film made in Nepal was a documentary during the period of king Mahendra ( Panchayat System ). King Mahendra invited Hari Singh Khatri from bollywood. He made a documentary about 42nd birthday of His Majesty King. The film in Nepali language was made from India in 1950. It was named Satya Harischand and directed by D.B Pariyar. The first nepali film from Nepal was “Aama”. No matter the films in Nepal had flourished since the Panchayat rule, its present condition is no satisfactory. It faces so many problems. Time and again voices are raised against the state of film industry of Nepal. The main problem stands in the quality of films. The films are of very low quality and even the cine environment is less satisfactory. There is a lack of modern technology, sound systems and cinema scopes technique make poor quality. Using 16mm format and blowing it up later to 35mm for public viewing reduces the quality of projection image. The quantity has fallen to ground. The problem stands not only in the films but also in the cinema halls. Cinema halls only screen hindi movies as it is profitable. The number of films produced is 10-15 per year. There is no print rental system in Nepal. Prints for hindi movies are priced according to the actors and the pre-release hype, and cost and average of Rs. 50,000 per week. With the rise of pirated movies and the spread of cable TV, people watch new movies at home. Hall owners never really cared about Nepali films. They are just after money. At present, there are hundreds of cinema halls. Out of them 11 are permanent, 38 are temporary and the rest are mobile. Producers are losing money and some are bankrupt. The showcase of intimate scenes seems to be pathetic. At times, it looks more like comedy. The discomfort between the actors and actresses can be easily predicted. The question arises if the priority should be given to length, format or story. The film board comments that format is important but viewer wants story more than the format. Hence, there is a dilemma between the format and the story.
Some of the good movies listed in the history of film industry are Satya Harishchand, Maitighar, Prempinda, Numafung, Mukundo, Sano Sansar and so on.
Good films collected an average of 18-20 lacs and super hit ones collected even 80-90 lacs then but now it hardly collects 3 lacs from valley. The concern is the quantity of films. The number of films released has decreased. The lack of films and songs has affected FM radios also. FM’s have started playing five songs out of 10 in chartbusters. The number of films registered had fallen too. The industry has been incurring a loss for the last three years. The maximum profit a film can generate is upto Rs. 10,000,000.
In order to strengthen all aspects of the industry government had created a body Film Development Board on 30th June, 2000. It is responsible for managing its expenses and investment from the collection of development tax, which is included in the price of movie tickets. The government exempts Nepali cinema from the development tax which is only collected from foreign language films.

CHANGUNARAYAN TEMPLE

A mandap style hindu temple,which came into existence in fourth century, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as "Narayan".The temple is adore by some of the best specimen of stone,wood and metal craft in the valley.The temple stands as the epitome of culture,religion,history and the faith of the Kathmandu valley.Changunarayan was named as 'Dolashikhar Swami" during Lichhavi period.However,it was later renamed as "Changunarayan"in Malla period.Inside the Changunarayan temple is a esteemed figure of Garuda. The statue is offered sweets by the devotees every year on Nag Panchami. This is done in remembrance of the epic struggle with the great snake Taksaka. The drops of moisture, believed to be effective against diseases such as leprosy and ulcers, are collected by the priests.Statues of King Bhupalendra Malla of Kathmandu and his mother can also be seen in a shrine. To the north of the temple is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu seated on Garuda (Garudasana Vishnu). This image appears on the Nepalese 10 rupee note. Vishnu sculpture dates back to 9th century.

It is said that in the past the land where Changunarayan temple stands were full of Chaanp trees. Many cowboys and Brahmins resided in that Chaanp forest. The cowboys reared cattle owned by the Brahmins. Everyday those cowboys visited Brahmins with the milk but suddenly the stopped bringing milk to Brahmins and so the Brahmin tried to inspect on the situation so he went to the place where now Changunarayan temple stands. I is said that there was a Chaanp tree on the spot and suddenly that Brahmin saw a black man appear and suck up all the milk from the cow. Brahmin furiously cut off the black man’s head which caused it to appear with four limbs in the form of Changunarayan. Brahmin got scared and was ready to commit himself for his mistake. And then God Vishnu convinced that it wasn’t his mistake. He then explained to him that many years ago fight took place between god and devils. There was a Brahmin named Sumati who fought from the devil’s side, was killed. For this, Vishnu was wised. His curse was relieved only when a generation from Sumati cuts off his head. And so, he attempted this. He then settled there as Changunarayan who was only worshipped by a Brahmin.
At present, it is believed that only a generation from that Brahmin family can worship and this is still in practice.

The main Jatra of this temple is celebrated in the month of Baisakh however we had been hearing wrong that the Jatra takes place during the month of Magh. This is the rare temple found in Nepal where both Hindus and Buddhists alike offer their reverences. Asadh Sukla Ekadasi, Krisna Janmaastami and Haribodhani Ekadasi are some of the important events observed here every year in which a great number of devotees pour here from far and wide places take active participation on them by offering worship to the Lord. This tradition has been continuing since very long. Twice in every year, the main idol of the temple is taken to the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace of Kathmandu in August-September and December and January respectively in order to follow an age long tradition.

RADIO NEPAL

Radio Nepal was established on 1 April 1951.  Initially the transmission covered a duration of 4.5 hours through a 250 watt transmitter.  Over the years, Radio Nepal has strengthened its institutional capacity and diversified itself in terms of programme format, technical efficiency and nationwide coverage.  Radio Nepal airs programmes on Short Wave as well as Medium Wave frequencies.  Radio Nepal transmits 15 hours everyday, which includes 2 hours of regional broadcasts 0930 hrs to 1100 hrs in the morning and 1805 hrs to 1830 hrs in the evening.  However on public holidays, there is an additional 2 hours, extending the total duration to 17 hours.  A FM-Channel covering Kathmandu valley and adjoining areas was started in 1995.Radio Nepal has its own studios for programme production, music recording, talk shows and news broadcasts.  A music library at its premises in Singh Durbar has a collection of about 15,000 songs.  Foreign broadcasting Stations also make use of our Studio facilities and transmitters for live and other broadcasts on a rental basis.The Broadcasting Headquarters at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu has two broad casting houses consisting of one drama studio, two music studios, one reporting studio, three continuity studios, the news studio, seven programme production studios.  One of the music studios is equipped with sophisticated 24 track recording facility.Different regional programs for audience are broadcasted through regional stations from 9:45am-11:00am and 6:00pm-8:30pm everyday. Excluding the regional programmes transmission period National programmes is broadcasted for a duration of about 16 hours everyday. The educational programs on religion, literature, science and technology, agriculture, distance learning, women , health and sanitation, public health etc are also broadcasted. Various entertaining programmes like Nepali songs, Hindi songs and Gazals, Radio dramas, songs in the different National language etc are also broadcasted. Informational programmes like News, Radio reports, Presss reviews, Development programmes etc are provided through Radio Nepal.

HARI MANJUSHREE

              Hari Manjushree has made a everlasting contributions in the field of Nepali language and Nepali literature. He had also made many contributions for the development of Nepali literature by creating different interesting poems, novels and also introducing a simple ans attractive Nepali Grammatical rules. Hari Manjushree has always tried to explicate a tangible picture of the society. He has also been a journalist and has worked in many media organizations. A Kavre resident,Hari Manjushree has made Kavre proud by publishing many qualitative books.

In the occasion of New year2066 Red cross has launched a solo book exibition where Dr.Sureshraj Sharma vice chancellor of Kathmandu University, was the chief guest. In the program,many other literary figures like Mohan Duwal, T.P Sharma, Narendra Raj Jung open heartedly praised Hari Manjushree for his great contribution in Nepali literature. The Chief Guest of the ceremony Dr Suresh Raj Sharma gave certificate to Hari Manjushree and also praised Hari Manjushree for his memorable works in literary field of Nepal.

Visit To Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya

It was our first field visit on 15th April,09 to Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya which is situated in Lalitpur. It was established in 1953 B.S. and the present chairman of this organization is Kamal Mani Dixit. The main aim of this library is conservation, preservation and digitization.
According to the old records this library contains 26845 books. Collection of newspapers are also in a huge amount. Around 5125 newspapers can easily be obtained in this library. We can even get the newspaper- 'Gorkhapatra' from its 1st edition.
This library have around 15000 old pictures that talks about history of Nepal. Among which 7000 pictures are already digitised and placed in the net. We can even find 35000 pictures that are placed in different sections according to the areas related.
According to the informant, who showed us the library and provided us with lots of information, the library had the books that were printed in Benaras as at that time Nepal had no printing machines. Though we cannot find the old newspapers and even the proof about the time they were printed but with the help of books we get the information about the date or time they had been printed. Before, at the end or at the beginning of the book ads about the newspapers were given.
Visit to Madan Puraskas Library was very benificial we got to learn many new things and saw how micro film works and it has lots of book which could be very benifitial to gain and get informations.