Q1.What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of UNESCO? What is India’s position on these?

The McBride Commission, officially the International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems, was established by UNESCO in 1977. It was tasked with studying global communication problems, particularly the imbalances in information flow between nations.

• Aims: Analyze communication problems, identify obstacles to free and balanced information flow, and propose a 'New World Information and Communication Order' (NWICO).
• Objectives: Promote equitable information exchange, reduce communication inequalities, foster media responsibility, and support communication development in developing countries.

India largely supported NWICO principles, advocating for greater equity, balance, and self-reliance in communication for developing nations. It emphasized countering Western media dominance and cultural imperialism, promoting a diverse global information landscape. While supporting free flow, India also stressed media responsibility and accountability, without advocating state control.

The Commission's report, 'Many Voices, One World,' significantly influenced international media discourse, advocating for a more just and equitable global communication system.