Chapter – III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The function of the media in affecting national development has been studied in
communication studies. However, it is vital to define “national development” in order to
comprehend and appreciate the challenges raised by the link between media and national
development. “Development” is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “a new phase in a
changing situation,” and “progress” is defined as “becoming better at something.”
According to the authors, any discussion of development should take into account
economic advancement, self-sufficiency, and social equality (Indian). Political,
economic, and social variables all have a role in a country's development. As a result of
progress, economic, social, and political structures are radically altered. With population
expansion, the scope of national development expands as well. rural areas development's
ultimate goal is to offer people with “better access to education, better nutrition, and
health facilities, more secure livelihoods, security against crime and physical violence,
political and cultural freedoms, and a sense of involvement in communal activities.”
Economic growth has the ability to improve a country's residents' financial, political, and
social well-being. During the last two centuries, economists, politicians, and others have
frequently employed it. However, the principle has been well-known in the West for
millennia. In the past, terms like modernization, westernization, and industrialization
were employed to characterize economic progress. There is a close link between
economic growth and environmental and environmental challenges.
In contrast, economic growth is not the outcome of government efforts to improve the
economic and social well-being of citizens, but rather of increased market productivity
and GDP. Amartya Sen, an economist, claims that “economic growth is a function of the
process of economic development.”
This article was written when it looked like India's economy was about to take off.
Because of the country's long history of political unrest and poor economic management
under self-rule, India is currently one of the world's poorest and least developed
countries. In 1981, the government initiated an economic restoration programme that
received significant rural rear help following the upheaval of the study location. There
was a reduction in economic activity in the 1980s due to civil instability and excessive
fiscal and monetary policy.

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NEED FOR THE STUDY
The purpose of this research is to determine how electronic media has aided the Guntur
and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh. The goal of this initiative is to establish a link
between media and economic development. The goal of this study is to see if the media's
ability to give factual, balanced, fair, and professional information to the government and
the general public has any impact on national growth. This research will look into the
economic growth of Andhra Pradesh to examine what role the media (radio and
television) played. Since its independence from British domination, India has had a
lengthy history of economic prosperity. Researchers will examine into how the media
was freed in Andhra Pradesh Guntur and Krishna regions as part of the study.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

As a result of this study's findings, Guntur and Krishna districts in Andhra Pradesh are
expected to profit considerably. It is more important now than ever before, as the world
has shrunk to a village under the impact of IT. It goes well beyond what we usually
equate with “information” when we talk about the importance of free and independent
media in providing checks and balances to our three arms of government. Furthermore, if
journalists fail to avoid sensationalism, propaganda, and bias in their reporting, they
cannot be effective in the growth of a nation. The study could be used to re-evaluate the
role of media in India's economic success, in addition to adding to the body of
knowledge and motivating other media studies.

OBJECTIVES:

1) To study and analyze the status of print media journalists in the rural areas of
Krishna district.
2) To understand the difficulties faced in the socio-economic conditions of print
media journalists in rural areas in the selected region.
3) To examine the nature of work and professional role performance of rural
journalists in the study area.
4) To understand the threats faced/facing in rural areas while presenting the
news.

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 5) To understand the areas of improvement for individual and agency
development to develop a process to eliminate areas identified as obstacles.
6) To suggest ways and means to improve the rural reporting network in
Andhra Pradesh to make them more objective, productive and thus more
valuable.

HYPOTHESES OF THE STUDY

1. The existence of an editorial office in a rural area increases the likelihood that
local news will be consumed.
2. The presence of journalists in a rural area increases the likelihood that local news
will be consumed.
3. There is a correlation between respondent’s socioeconomic status, their
professional roles, and their preference for reading print media.

METHODOLOGY
In view of the objectives of present study, the researcher has first carried out an
in-depth analysis of socio-economic study of rural journalists of Krishna and Guntur
district in Andhra Pradesh. The researcher also took note of a systematic study was
conducted and collect the primary data from the rural journalists in the study area. The
researcher has chosen this study, it is an exploration and significant in this area, as no
such study has been carried out in Andhra Pradesh. Hence, the researcher has required by
its nature, objectives, and design, the research design for attaining the objectives was a
survey using the questionnaire method.
The researcher adopted purposive sampling method to collect data pertaining to
the study. Since the study focuses on rural journalists in Krishna and Guntur districts
only, the researcher first prepared a list of the working journalists in Andhra Pradesh
from I&PR (Directorate of Information and Public Relations), Hyderabad and
Vijayawada. Some of the working journalists who are not accredited under I&PR are
either members of the districts press Clubs/ journalists associations/ or has continued to
serve the profession with the identity card issued by their respective organization.
Thus the study considered rural journalists from regional print media media
(Reporter, Staff Reporter, Correspondent, Senior Correspondent, etc working for daily
newspapers only) who have more than three years of work experience for inclusion in
the universe. With the adoption of the inclusion criteria, a random list of 320 respondents
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was prepared for administering the questionnaire from Krishna (138) and Guntur (182)
districts. But the researcher has received filled 320 questionnaires only from the
respondents and compile the data on them.

RESEARCH SETTING
The research setting of the study is the Andhra Pradesh State, in the southern part
of India, in which the universes of the study are the journalists among the regional print
media of 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh. But, the researcher has chosen only two district
i.e., Krishna and Guntur districts. Because the economic and social conditions in both
these districts depict the average of all other districts in the state.

2.7.2 Collection of Data

The direct survey approach is used to collect secondary data and information. The core
data is gathered through canvassing the defendants for structured questionnaires. Due to
the difficulty of performing a comprehensive census, sampling approaches have been
used. Media correspondents and journalists from the Andhra Pradesh districts of Guntur
and Krishna were surveyed for this research. To gather the necessary data, a targeted
sample of 320 rural journalists was selected and questionnaires were sent to them.
Personal interviews, telephone calls, and the internet were all used to get information
directly from the people who had it. Our study focused on the economic, political, and
social variables that influence the development of a civilization. As a result, secondary
data was acquired from a wide range of sources such as books and periodicals as well as
from journals, newspapers, and magazines. This study's data collection is based on the
methods utilized to collect and analyze data. The information was gleaned from print and
electronic sources.
The study's primary sources of information were library research and brief interviews
with the station's journalists and reporters. Andhra Pradesh officials in Guntur and
Krishna were interviewed.

The secondary information is sought from News TV, FM (radio and television) and
others were among of the broadcasters that were monitored directly for the purpose of
gathering information. Additionally, books and publications on the Indian economy and
media, as well as from the media itself, were used to gather additional information the
researcher used a wide range of published sources and data from the internet, especially
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from media and economic development websites, to collect data with great care and
attention to detail.
Publications and Internet Sources
Certain sources can be accessed through written or archived articles and papers. The
Indian economy and the Guntur and Krishna broadcast media markets in Andhra Pradesh
were also sources of additional information. The economic impact of Andhra Pradesh
broadcast media in Guntur and a Krishna district has been examined.
Interviews and observations
This study also drew on data gathered from specialists in the subject, as well as from
participants in the case studies and other forms of broadcast media. These observations
focused on the development of India's broadcast media and economy. In the course of
this initiative, journalists and reporters from well-known broadcast media, such as new
reporters in rural areas, are interviewed.
STUDY SAMPLE
Of the 1044 journalists figured in the sample two district of Andhra Pradesh, the
researcher approached the respondents with a request to fill the questionnaire. However,
in Krishna district, the entire universe comprised of nine (138) respondents and in
Guntur district (182). Hence, the researcher finally arrived at a total sample size of 320
respondents.
SAMPLING
In view of the objectives of the study, the researcher adopted purposive sampling
method to collect data pertaining to the study. A random sampling method was using for
collection of primary data from the respondents in the study area. The study also
followed a holistic approach in Krishna and Guntur districts where the entire universe
was selected due to the presence of limited number of rural journalists.
Table No.
MANDAL-WISE / REVENUE DIVISION-WISE ACCREDITATIONS FOR
PRINT MEDIA JOURNALISTS IN KRISHNA DISTRICT

Sl. Revenue Division- Urban Print Rural Print Total Print

No. wise Media Media Media
Journalists Journalists Journalists
1 Gudivada 78 95 173

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2 Machilipatnam 95 96 191
3 Nuzvid 76 87 163
4 Vijayawada 161 156 317
5 District In charges/ 254 -- 254
Bureau Chiefs
Total 664 434 1098
Source: I&PR Department, 2020-21.

Table No.
MANDAL-WISE / REVENUE DIVISION-WISE ACCREDITATIONS FOR
PRINT MEDIA JOURNALISTS IN GUNTUR DISTRICT

Sl. Revenue Urban Print Rural Print Total Print

No. Division-wise Media Media Media
Journalists Journalists Journalists
1 Guntur 154 198 352
2 Gurajala 36 70 106
3 Tenaali 118 179 297
4 Narasarao Pet 79 163 242
5 District In 178 -- 178
charges/ Bureau
Chiefs
Total 565 610 1175
Source: I&PR Department, 2020-21.

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 Table No.
Paper/publisher-wise ACCREDITATIONS FOR PRINT MEDIA
JOURNALISTS IN KRISHNA DISTRICT

Sl. Name of the Urban Print Rural Print Total Print

No. Paper/publisher Media Media Media
Journalists Journalists Journalists
1 Eenadu 58 43 101
2 Sakshi 59 47 106
3 Andhra Jyothi 47 41 88
4 Vartha 38 32 70
5 NDP Surya 31 29 60
6 Andhra Prabha 26 28 54
7 Praja Sakti 25 36 61
8 Vishalandhra 18 38 56
9 Others 362 140 502
Total 664 434 1098
Source: I&PR Department, 2020-21.

Table No.
Paper/publisher-wise ACCREDITATIONS FOR PRINT MEDIA
JOURNALISTS IN Guntur DISTRICT

Sl. Name of the Urban Print Rural Print Total Print

No. Paper/publisher Media Media Media
Journalists Journalists Journalists
1 Eenadu 41 57 98
2 Sakshi 48 61 109
3 Andhra Jyothi 52 56 108
4 Vartha 44 48 92
5 NDP Surya 25 42 67
6 Andhra Prabha 26 40 66

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 7 Praja Sakti 26 38 64
8 Vishalandhra 21 41 62
9 Others 282 227 509
Total 565 610 1175
Source: I&PR Department, 2020-21.
Sample size
The sample size of this study is represented in table.5, as per below table there is total
1044 rural journalist participated and in between total 320 only responded.
Table No.
SAMPLE OF THE RESPONDENTS
Sl. Revenue Total No. of Rural No. of
No. Division-wise Journalists Respondents
1 Guntur 198 59
2 Gurajala 70 21
3 Tenaali 179 53
4 Narasarao Pet 163 49
5 Gudivada 95 30
6 Machilipatnam 96 30
7 Nuzvid 87 28
8 Vijayawada 156 50
Total 1044 320
Source:

INSTRUMENT
The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire consisting of open
and closed ended questions. The closed ended ones have simple yes/no etc., type of
questions. In the open ended ones, the respondents have the opportunity to express their
own views regarding some queries. The questionnaire was divided into two parts, each
comprising of several sections. Part-I consisted of questions related to identification and
socio-economic data of the respondents such as age, gender, caste, religion, monthly
income etc., and so on. Part-II comprised of different sections to ascertain the
professional role performance of rural journalists in Andhra Pradesh state like choice of

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profession of journalism, employment status, job satisfaction and job expectations, job
appreciation and evaluation of work, press freedom and social responsibility, press
ownership and editorial freedom, on journalist's ideology, trends in journalism, ethics
and values, training and skill development, some alternative considerations for
journalistic practice and survival and state of Andhra Pradesh journalism. The data
pertaining to the study were collected between April 2021 and September 2021.

TECHNIQUES OF DATA COLLECTION

From the very beginning the researcher was aware of the fact that there could be
certain problems in contacting with the rural journalists and convinces him for providing
information. In this connection, the researcher when questionnaires were supplied for
filling the same as per their convenience, it had taken more time. There were instances
where some respondents misplaced the questionnaire and the researcher had to provide
again fresh questionnaire.
In the first phase, 'questionnaires' were posted to respondents directly on their
mailing address because due to Covid-19 pandemic situation, but, due to the pandemic
situation and some other unavoidable reason, very few received the questionnaire.
In the second phase, the researcher was prepared an "offline questionnaire" in
order to reach out to the respondents. The researcher approached to the respondents
physically and collected the relevant data. Before approached to the respondents, the
researcher has collected their phone numbers from I&PR Department and it helps to
easily to approach the rural journalists also. But, due to the pandemic conditions there
are few questionnaires were received.
And finally, the researcher adopted 'telephonic interview' in the third phase of
data collection. This interview technique was immensely beneficial as the remaining
respondents could be successfully reached over the phone. The technique of data
collection through telephonic interview helped the researcher invariably. With over a
decade experience as a practicing journalist in the study area, the researcher was well
acquainted with a number of journalists who had been his friends, colleagues, and staff.
If the researcher was prepared questionnaire in English languages, but the
researcher was explain to the questions in local language i.e., “Telugu”. So, this helped
the researcher in getting quick and favorable response.

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DATA ANALYSIS
The data was analyzed using SPSS-21 a comprehensive and flexible statistical
analysis and data management solution. The cross-tabulation with chi-square analysis
data pertaining to the study was first analyzed with the help of SPSS software and later
on organized accordingly using the MS Excel tool. All the figures which include the bar
diagram was made in MS Excel.

SCHEME OF THE STUDY:

In order to present this study in a systematic way, this study is divided into six
chapters. Introduction on print media journalism, historical perspective of print media,
major objectives, research questions and methodology are presented in Chapter I.
Chapter-II provides a review of the past studies related to print media especially rural
print media journalism. The profile of the study area is presented in Chapter III. Socio-
economic status of sample respondents is presented in Chapter-IV. The problems &
professional role performance of rural journalists in the study area are critically analyzed
in chapter-V. Summary, findings, suggestions and conclusion are presented in the last
chapter.

SUMMARY
In this chapter we will discuss about related work research background, research aim and
objectives, research methodology, research approach, research strategy, sample selection,
sample size, need of study, data collection, research instruments and data analysis etc.
Radio, television, and the internet, which have all posed similar risks to newspapers in
the past, continue to do so today. Despite the fact that online media has been existing in
India for a long time, it is still widely used and read. In a similar vein, the rise of
internet-based media has had no negative influence on traditional print newspaper
circulation. As a result, Andhra Pradesh Guntur and Krishna districts have positioned
themselves as safe havens for the print media, allowing them to thrive. Print material will
continue to be available for consumption for the time being. Reading the newspaper is
one of their favorite pleasures, in addition to offering daily information on current events
in a simple format. According to the findings of this survey, today's consumers want to
be kept up to date on the newest news at all hours and from any location. While online
newspapers do not appear to be a substitute for print newspapers or other information
sources, they do prove to be a useful addition. Finally, it's important to remember that
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this study is part of a wider, continuous process of media habit change that's now
underway, as explained above.

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