Development news scenario in Indian print media: a content analysis of three regional newspapers from Assam, India

This article focuses on the development news published in the three leading newspapers— The Assam Tribune, Amar Asom and Dainik Purvoday-all being published from Guwahati, Assam, India. The role of press is considered vital for a developing country like India in transformation of a traditional society to a modern society as modern day development is communication oriented. The Indian state Assam has 86 per cent rural population 49 per cent live below poverty line--are backward economically and educationally. As the fourth estate of democracy, press is expected to play a vital role in mobilizing and accelerating the process of development. In order to do so the press should give wider coverage to development issues thereby creating mass awareness. Content analysis of the three newspapers revealed that press in Assam, India covers less development news. Comparing to other news, development news got the lowest priority in the newspapers.