Module I: Introduction to Public

Policy and Digital Media

Course: Public Policy and Digital Media
 What is Public Policy?

Overview
of Public
Public policy is a system of laws, regulatory measures,
guidelines, and funding priorities identified by
governments or their representatives to fulfil public
interest goals.

Policy From its inception to evaluation, any Public Policy

evolves through an iterative process. Since this
process involves mobilising many actors and
resources, the resulting Public Policy is always an
outcome of negotiating across competing interests
and choices.
The history and evolution of Public Policy

In India, the roots Ashoka further

of policy emphasised peace and
harmony through his Post-independence,
formulation date back
policies, transitioning India faced numerous
to the ancient
from an era of constant challenges,
universities of Nalanda
warfare. necessitating robust
and Vaishali. During
policy frameworks to
the reign of Subsequent rulers like address economic,
Chandragupta Maurya, Akbar introduced social, and cultural
Chanakya, outlined significant reforms, disparities and propel
state policies in his demonstrating the national development.
seminal work evolving nature of
“Arthashastra“. policy frameworks.
Features & Nature of Public Policy
Purposeful: Public policy is designed to solve specific problems or address particular societal needs.
It is not random or haphazard but a deliberate effort to address identified issues. Policies may aim
to improve the economy, enhance public health, reduce crime, or mitigate the effects of climate
change, among others.

Systematic: Public policy is not a one-off decision but a set of coordinated actions that work
together to achieve a desired outcome. Policies are typically developed and implemented
systematically, involving various stakeholders and decision-making processes.

Strategic: Public policy aims to achieve long-term goals, not just immediate needs. Policymakers
consider the potential consequences of their decisions and try to create policies that will have a
lasting impact. This means that policies may take time to implement and require significant
resource investments.
Types of Public Policy (traditionally)

Focuses on stimulating economic growth and inclusivity through strategies like

Economic Policy Five-Year Plans and ‘Make in India,’ prioritising industrialisation, infrastructure
expansion, and foreign investment.
Addresses healthcare, education, gender equality, and social well-being
Social Policy through initiatives like NRHM, SSA, and MGNREGA, aiming to bridge social
disparities.
Strives to balance economic development with ecological sustainability via
Environmental Policy
programmes like NCAP and NAPCC, emphasising environmental preservation.
Shapes the future of India’s youth with NEP 2020, promoting holistic learning,
Education Policy
research, innovation, and improved access to quality education.
Recognises access to quality healthcare as a fundamental right, with policies
Healthcare Policy like Ayushman Bharat and NHM focusing on affordable healthcare services and
enhanced infrastructure.
Process of Public Policy Formation
Problem Identification: Identify a problem or issue that requires government intervention. Conduct research and gather data to
understand the scope and severity of the problem.

Agenda Setting: Determine the importance of the problem and its priority on the policy agenda. Consider the political and social
context in which the problem exists. Decide whether the problem should be addressed through legislation, regulation, or other
means.

Policy Formulation: Generate alternative solutions to address the problem. Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of each
solution. Consider the short-term and long-term impacts of each solution. Choose the best solution and develop a plan for its
implementation.

Decision-Making: Present the proposed policy solution to the appropriate decision-makers. Seek input and feedback from
stakeholders and interested parties. Debate and discuss the merits of the proposal. Make a final decision on the policy and its
implementation.

Implementation and Evaluation: Put the policy into practice through legislation, regulation, or other means. Monitor the
implementation of the policy and make any necessary adjustments. Assess the effectiveness and efficacy of the policy. Gather
feedback from stakeholders and interested parties. Use the feedback to refine and improve the policy over time.
Scope of Public Policy in India

01 02 03
The scope of public policy in Public policy in India aims to By addressing these areas,
India is vast and covers various drive economic growth, public policy in India seeks to
critical areas. It includes alleviate poverty, address foster development, prosperity,
economic development, inequality, promote renewable and well-being for all citizens
promoting social justice, energy and conservation, while positioning the country as
ensuring environmental enhance national security, and a responsible global power.
sustainability, maintaining actively participate in global
national security, and engaging affairs.
in international relations.
Introduction to Digital Media

• Definition: Digital media refers to content that is

stored in digital formats and distributed through
digital platforms.
• Examples: Social media, blogs, podcasts, online
news, streaming services, digital advertising.
• Importance: Digital media has transformed how
information is produced, shared, and consumed,
influencing public policy, social interactions, and
global communication.
Historical Context:
From Print to Digital

• Pre-Digital Era:
• Print media (newspapers,
magazines, books).
• Broadcast media (radio, television).
• Transition to Digital:
• Early use of computers and the
internet in the 1960s-1980s.
• Development of digital networks
and the World Wide Web in the
1990s.
The Rise of the Internet
(1990s)

• Key Milestones:
• 1991: Public availability of the World Wide
Web.
• 1993: The first graphical web browser
(Mosaic).
• 1995: Launch of early internet giants (e.g.,
Yahoo!, Amazon).
• Impact on Media:
• Shift from analog to digital formats.
• Introduction of email, online news, and
forums.
Web 2.0 and Social Media
Revolution (2000s)

• Web 2.0:
• Introduction of user-generated content and
interactive websites.
• Platforms like Wikipedia, MySpace, Facebook,
and YouTube.
• Social Media Impact:
• Democratization of content creation and
distribution.
• New forms of digital journalism, blogging, and
vlogging.
• Influence on public opinion, political campaigns,
and policy-making.
Mobile and Ubiquitous
Media (2010s)
• Mobile Revolution:
• Rise of smartphones and mobile internet access.
• Apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp.
• Ubiquity of Media:
• Continuous connectivity and instant access to
information.
• Growth of streaming services (e.g., Netflix, Spotify)
and podcasting.
• Policy Implications:
• Challenges in regulation, privacy concerns, and
misinformation.
 Key Developments:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in

Current media (e.g., personalized content, deepfakes).
• The rise of TikTok and short-form video
Trends in content.
Digital Media • Growth of influencer culture and digital
marketing.
(2020s)
Public Policy Challenges:

• Data protection and privacy regulations (e.g.,

GDPR).
• Digital divide and access to technology.
• Managing misinformation and fake news.
 Influence on Policy Making:
• How digital media shapes public discourse
Impact of and influences policy decisions.
Digital Media • Case studies: Social media campaigns and
policy changes (e.g., #MeToo, Black Lives
on Public Matter).
Policy
Regulatory Challenges:
• Balancing freedom of speech with the
need for regulation.
• Issues around net neutrality, data
protection, and platform accountability.
Future Directions of
Digital Media

• Emerging Technologies:
• Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented
Reality (AR), and the Metaverse.
• Impact of 5G and beyond on media
consumption.
• Ethical Considerations:
• AI ethics in media, digital surveillance,
and algorithmic bias.
• Potential Policy Responses:
• Evolving regulatory frameworks for
emerging digital landscapes.
 Recap: Overview of the evolution from print
to digital, the rise of the internet and social
media, mobile media, and current trends.

Key Takeaway: Digital media continues to

evolve, posing new challenges and
Conclusion opportunities for public policy.

Final Thought: As digital media advances, so

too must the policies that govern its use and
impact on society.