Media Communication, Mediatization and Socialism

Abstract

This study is a qualitative research on media communication, mediatization and socialism in Nepal. Discovering the level of mediatization of Nepali society for transition to socialism is the theme of the research question. The primary objective of this research is to assess the level of mediatization effect of communication for achieving socialism. This research is mainly based on secondary data sources. This research paper is philosophically anchored to ontology, epistemology and axiology. It has adopted Marxism and framing theory of communication as it theoretical framework. This research paper studies communication, mediatization and socialism in Nepal's context. Throughout the historical development, media has stood fast as an unshakeable defender of change actively shaping public opinion and giving direction to democratic transition. From the time of struggle against 104 yearlong Rana oligarchies through the 30 years of party-less Panchayat system to 1990 people's movement and beyond, the media stands as a shining armor of democracy and socialism. The role of media in favor of democratic movement is highly acclaimed in the society.  However, the collective stance of the media on socialism as envisioned in the Constitution of Nepal 2015, appears noncommittal. The conclusion of this research is that socialism is not something that we get spontaneously. It needs conscious and extensive mediatization of the society that is currently severely lacking.