Anurag Thakur, India's Information and Broadcasting Minister, praised the media for its contribution in the country's fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.
HIGHLIGHTS
1. According to Thakur, content authenticity will always be paramount.
2. 5G technology is expected to improve the user experience even more.
3. The media, according to Thakur, played a critical part in India's struggle against COVID-19.
Anurag Thakur, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, stated on Wednesday that the growth of the internet through affordable mobile devices has sparked the media business, and that 5G technology is poised to boost the speed with which news is delivered. Thakur, speaking through video conference at the 17th Asia Media Summit, stated that the media was becoming increasingly technology-driven and that innovation was happening at a rapid speed.
The growth of the internet through low-cost mobile devices has rekindled the media business, he said, adding that 5G technology will improve the user experience by increasing delivery speed and improving content quality.
As an effective weapon of empowerment, Thakur believes the media has a huge ability to mould the proper public attitudes and perspectives.
He said that the media had played an important role in India's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, notably in dispelling vaccination apprehension.
"We hit a lot of bumps in the way. Vaccine apprehension was one of the most significant obstacles. The media, via appropriate messages and education, was able to break this," Thakur added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added, addressed residents on All India Radio and television programmes to send a clear message regarding immunizations.
Regardless of technology advancements, Thakur believes that content authenticity will always be at the core.
"We can discuss the right to free flow of information, but we also need to discuss the need of disseminating accurate information," he continued.
According to Thakur, India's soft power was on display in Cannes, when Indian films received a standing ovation from moviegoers.
He claimed that the prime minister had emphasised the need of preserving and promoting India's rich cultural legacy.
"Under the National Film Heritage Mission, the government has announced the world's largest film restoration effort to realise that aim. More than 2,200 films from various languages and genres will be restored as part of this initiative, according to Thakur.
