Foreword by Sri Beluru Sudarshana, Open Knowledge Campaigner and presently, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Karnataka on E-Governance
- Introduction to Media Technology by
- Sibanthi Padmanabha K. V., PhD
- Shreesha M. Punacha, PhD
- Contact: +91 9449525854
- Email: ankurmediapublications@gmail.com
The
gap between information and knowledge is getting thinner in this age of
information explosion. The Internet has got polluted with
pseudo-interpretations, wrong statistics and explanations. Even self-proclaimed
open knowledge platforms like Wikipedia are also not free of drawbacks. From
non-SIM-based social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram to SIM-based mass
media like WhatsApp and Club House, both facts and lies are flourishing together
day by day. Finding falsity in online newspaper reports has become a big business
now. Separate websites have also emerged for this purpose, and unfortunately,
many of them are biased too. The face of
the press has changed like never before in the past two years, following the outbreak
of Covid-19. Print media has shrunk, while the prospects of new media have
expanded. The media economics has also changed. The demand for online media
that can reach more people directly at lower cost has increased. But it is a
fact that many of the advertisers have altered their strategies to reach
consumers directly, which has led to a decline in the income of the media industry.
We
are aware that the Information Age has already turned into an age of
Information Turmoil, and we have entered Web 3.0 after passing through Web 1.0 and
Web 2.0. Still, we are yet to find an answer to the question – what an ordinary
media student should do? This is beyond the scope of this preface. However, the
book ‘Introduction to Media Technology’ provides many pointers for
understanding this revolution. It cannot be taken as mere computer information,
descriptions of software circus, or documentation of online happenings. This
book is a significant effort to document all the contemporary dimensions of IT-
based communication along with its historical background.
There
is always a danger that such new media textbooks bring readymade information available
on the Internet. But as both Mr. Sibanthi Padmanabha, who teaches in a university,
and Mr. Shreesha Punacha, who is a young-generation writer, are basically
engaged in their own information collection, this book has emerged as an original
work. One can find similar information on Wikipedia pages; but here, the
information needed by the students and teachers has been prepared independently,
keeping in mind the requirements of syllabus too. Looking at the writing style
of these chapters, I have clearly noted that the topics have been understood
and analyzed well. This is one of the main qualities that can sustain the book
for many more years.
foundation for all kinds of true sources. At least more than 20 important books on blockchain have entered the market in the last couple of years, needless to mention specifically about AR and VR.
In
spite of these good facts, some of the most important technological information
related to media field are not available here, amidst the inevitability of
fulfilling the academic requirements. For example: data journalism. Today
nothing can be asserted without the affirmative support of statistics – many
news can be extracted with the help of statistics. Data journalism is basically
a media technology that combines journalism, mathematics and information
technology. By analyzing data scientifically, we can find solutions to many problems
of this country. The Government of India and various state governments have already
launched ‘open data portals’. Students of media should be aware of all these.
Following
a particular syllabus is a limitation of this book too. However, this book has made me feel that such
an informative book should be available for public reading. This book is bound
to become the first step towards learning the new possibilities of the time
such as mobile journalism, digital security, mathematical technology,
transcription, e-communication, digital storytelling, infographics, data
visualization, digital research, community journalism, podcasting, video
journalism, etc.
The
crux of this book is the ever-changing facets of media technology. Therefore,
as the authors know that the durability of this book as a printed book
(especially on new and growing technologies) is short, so should the teacher
and students. It is very important to develop an online site where this unique
and informative book, which has understood the responsibilities of aspirants joining
the media profession, is kept up-to-date. Then this book itself can be expanded
as a platform to provide links to many sources; revised information may be
incorporated with appropriate references; one can add new information as and
when they are found. This will become an open source media site. All the
universities can come to a consensus to shoulder the expenses of developing and
maintaining such a site. Such an ever changing topic can be offered to students
regularly, with a new edition every year. Keeping knowledge open and funding
knowledge management is the present norm. This is also a way of honoring the
hard work rendered by these authors.
Media
technology is not just a reading material. There is a lot to be learned using a
computer itself. It is my experience that media students should especially use
desktop computers to the maximum extent. At a time when we are bypassing
computers by using smartphones, this statement may sound strange. But a desktop
computer is the professional strength of every journalist. With the responsible
use of computers and the Internet, information, learning, technology, analysis,
imaging, content editing, collection, communication, journalists can come out
with many society centric reports.
In conclusion, information technology, media technology - both are the aspects that contribute to the fundamental responsibility of conveying the hardships and happiness of the society to the people and the government through reports and various media; but technology itself is not the solution for everything. Journalists can definitely increase their productivity if they are aware of technology. As job opportunities in Journalism are becoming diverse and wide, this book will be a window to the new era. My congratulations and best wishes to both the authors who have written such a fresh book. I hope this book will be helpful for a responsible and technology-based journalism.
- Beluru Sudarshana
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