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Books, magazines, newspaper and other printed matter contain all kinds of
information. We can get books on almost any subject that we care to read
about. There are books on sports, cookery, fashion, language, education,
etc. You name the topic and the likelihood is that somebody has published a
book (or books) on that topic. Through the newspaper we read about which
terrorist group is currently most active. We also read about the rise and
fall of certain politicians, the cricket results in Australia, the state of
the stock exchange, the grand sale going on in a supermarket, the death of
so-and-so and the various kinds of jobs available. The information that we
can gather in an average newspaper is enormous. To read the whole newspaper
completely would take hours. Since not everyone is interested in everything,
we usually read the sections we like, for example the sports and the cartoon
pages, and leave the rest alone.
In our country, newspapers are published daily in various languages to
cater for the various races here. So a multi-lingual person can read up to
six different newspapers or more a day ! Each newspaper gives its own
version of the hottest news item plus other items that is its particular
preference.
Thus the average person is reasonably well-informed about the current
goings-on in this world of ours.
This century, and especially these last few decades, witnessed the
tremendous strides made in electronic technology. The simple telephone of
long ago has given way to sophisticated television sets, computers and
stereo music. The television and the radio are two very effective channels
through which the masses are reached. The incredible number of radio
stations, both local and foreign, that can be tuned-in on the radio gives us
an idea of how much information is dissipated
through the radio. The "air-waves" are practically jammed.
Through the television comes all manners of soap-operas, talk-shows,
news, documentaries and the ubiquitous advertisement clips. Large numbers of
people are reached daily in this way. A whole new generation of people is
created based on the ideals and dreams that are propagated by the
television. Political groups and manufacturers make extensive use of this
mode of informing people. Television has become so effective as a means of
transferring information that even criminals and terrorists know its value.
To appear on television means instant fame, regardless of what one appears
for. So the news on television is filled with tales of death and destruction
turmoil and strife, sports and games,
fame and notoriety. |
