Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer questions 46 to 50.
Over the past few decades, the Indian press has witnessed a three tier growth. The mainline English language newspapers, published mostly from the metropolitan centres and state capitals, constitute the upper crust of the press. The English language press, catering to less than 5 percent of the readers has a major share of advertising revenue because it is seen by the advertisers as aimed at the upper-class clientele credited with purchasing power.
Leading Hindi and regional language newspapers, which during the past more than a decade have registered phenomenal increase in circulation, constitute the second tier of the Indian press. The statistics show that the domination of English language newspapers is receding, as more and more regional language papers from non- metropolitan areas are being published. The regional language press is increasingly making use of advanced means of telecommunication and printing technology.
The third tier of the Indian press is constituted of the small newspapers, mostly in Hindi and Indian languages, are brought out from district centres, having grassroot contacts. This segment of print media has progressed rapidly because of the three factors – gradual spread of literacy, rise in people’s purchasing power and increasing level of political and general awareness and interests in the affairs of the country.
Q1. Indian Press has witnessed a growth over the past few decades:
(A) Two tier
(B) Three tier
(C) Four tier
(D) Five tier
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
Over the past few decades, the Indian press has experienced growth in three distinct tiers. Firstly, the mainline English-language newspapers, published primarily from metropolitan centers and state capitals, constitute the first tier. Secondly, the second tier consists of Hindi and regional language newspapers, which have seen phenomenal growth in circulation. Finally, the third tier is made up of small newspapers published from district centers, which have also seen rapid progress.
Q2. Second tier of the Indian Press constitutes:
(A) English language newspaper
(B) Hindi and regional language newspapers
(C) Small newspapers
(D) Evening and midday newspapers
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
The second tier of the Indian press consists of the Hindi and regional language newspapers. These newspapers have experienced a dramatic increase in circulation over the past decade. Moreover, this segment is increasingly using advanced telecommunication and printing technology, further solidifying its prominence in the media landscape.
Q3. The segment of print media has progressed rapidly because of:
(A) Rise in people’s purchasing power
(B) Cost of newspaper has gone down
(C) Newspapers have become views paper
(D) Newspapers are being sold as product
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
The rapid progression of the third tier of the print media can be attributed to multiple factors. Primarily, the rise in people’s purchasing power has played a critical role. Additionally, the gradual spread of literacy and heightened political and general awareness have contributed significantly to the growth of these newspapers, especially in district centers.
Q4. The statistics show that which of the following language newspapers, circulation is receding:
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Urdu
(D) Marathi
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
According to the statistics, the circulation of English language newspapers is steadily receding. This shift highlights the growing dominance of regional language newspapers, which are gaining popularity and increasing circulation in non-metropolitan areas. Consequently, English newspapers are losing their previous hold over a larger readership base.
Q5. Which language newspaper has a major share of advertising revenue?
(A) English
(B) Hindi
(C) Urdu
(D) Bengali
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
Despite the receding circulation of English newspapers, they still hold a major share of advertising revenue. This is because advertisers perceive English newspapers as targeting a more affluent, upper-class audience with greater purchasing power. Therefore, these newspapers continue to attract substantial advertising investments.
