The department of Electronic Media of Bangalore University had organized a guest lecture on 26th and 27th of March. Dr Srinivas Melkote, professor at Bowling Green State University, USA and a well-known scholar in the field of Development Communication was the guest speaker for this event. The speaker is also the author of several research papers and books. His recent work is Communication for Development: Theory and Practice for Empowerment and Social Justice.
Dr Melkote started the session by talking about ‘third world countries’. He spoke about the ideas and understandings that create the third world country concept and social change. According to
him, social change is a never ending process or is an open ended process and is different from development. He stated that the process of development is political, chaotic and contested.
Dr Melkote ended the session by suggesting a few changes to the present day media and the development models. He endorsed the regulation of digital media without violating the freedom of speech and expression. He also said that the media literacy classes are greatly needed in this time.
