Media, Entertainment Sector To Grow By Leaps And Bounds Amid Rise In Digital Platforms: Goyal

Media and entertainment industry to grow by leaps and bounds with the emergence of digital platforms, said Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday.

During his address at the FICCI frames 2023, the minister lauded the industry for its commitment to taking Indian cinema on the global map.

Goyal added that the media and entertainment industry will make a mark that will be matchless in the Amrit Kaal poised to be the defining moment for India.

The minister noted that the media and entertainment industry can showcase to the world, the New India of today and boost the economy, helping the country reach a new audience, influencing opinions, and spreading positivity. 

He said that this positivity encourages people, government and businesses to be more aspirational and look at the future with greater hope demanding better lifestyles and better business opportunities.

Goyal said that the media and entertainment industry are the cultural ambassadors of India and have given a unique identity to India. 

He highlighted that the media and entertainment industry has a huge potential to connect people, businesses and nations leading to a better understanding and appreciation of different cultures and conditions across the world.

Meanwhile, India has slipped to 161 out of 180 nations, down 11 places from 2022 when it was ranked 150, according to the latest report released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on Wednesday.

The global media watchdog in its World Press Freedom Index stated that India is now one of the 31 nations that RSF considers to have "very serious" journalistic conditions.

India's neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka witnessed significant improvement in the index as Pakistan is placed at 150, an improvement from last year’s 157 rank while Sri Lanka ranked at 135 against 146 in 2022.