Assertion (A): The prices of magazines in India are beyond the reach of common man, their circulation is declining.
Reason (R): The proliferation of television channels has resulted in fast information dissemination; the common man does not depend on magazines for information.
- Both (A) and (R) are true.
- Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not correct explanation of (A).
- (A) is true, but (R) is false.
- (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
Magazine circulation in India has seen a significant decline in recent years. One major reason is the increasing cost of magazines. Today, many are priced beyond what the average person can afford. As living costs rise, people often cut out non-essential expenses. Magazines, unfortunately, fall into that category.
At the same time, television has changed how people access information. It offers fast, real-time updates. News, entertainment, and educational content are now just a click away. And importantly, television is more accessible to a wider population, especially in rural areas. This shift has made printed magazines less attractive.
So, the assertion is true. High magazine prices do push them out of reach for many, leading to falling readership.
The reason is also true. The rise of television and its ability to spread information quickly plays a huge role. People now depend on TV and digital media for updates rather than waiting for weekly or monthly publications.
However, these are not isolated reasons. They work together to push magazines further into decline. The high cost reduces access, and the rise of television reduces the need. This combination impacts both the demand and the relevance of printed magazines.
In conclusion, both the assertion and the reason are correct. Together, they reflect a clear shift in consumer media habits and the changing landscape of mass communication.