Media classification and functions Media can be classified into two broad categories, traditional and modern media. Traditional media: Till very recently most rural extension work was completely dependent on traditional media such as fairs and radio. The situation is no different even today. Inter-personal communication media largely remains the most used and effective medium of communication in rural and remote areas.
Examples of other traditional folk media are puppetry, folk dances, folk theatre, oral literature, fairs and festivals, rituals and symbols, print media such as charts, posters, newspapers, magazines, and other local publications from ancient times. Various traditional folk media are being used as indigenous channels of communication. Some very popular examples are – traditional folk theatre or drama like Jatra (Bengal), Ramleela and Nautanki (Uttar Pradesh), Bidesia (Bihar), Tamasha (Maharashtra), Yakshagana , Dashavatar (Karnataka) or Bhavai (Gujarat). Likewise various oral literature-cum-musical forms basically include folk or tribal songs and dances such as Baul and Bhatiali (Bengal), Sna and Dadaria (Madhya Pradesh), Duha and Garba (Gujarat), Chakri (Kashmir), Bhangra and Gidda (Punjab), Kajri , Chaiti (U.P.) and Allha (U.P.
and Bihar), Powda and Lavni (Maharashtra), Bihu (Assam) and Mand , Panihari , and songs sung by Charans and Bhaatt (Rajasthan). There are various drum festivals with very rhythmic drum beats followed by dance and songs of the North-eastern and other tribal communities of the country. Different types of puppetry forms have also been common media for communicating messages along with providing entertainment. Among the most common are the string puppets or ‘ Sutradharika ’ mainly used in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and Chhaya Putli (shadow puppets) which are more common in the southern parts of the country.
Besides, there are numerous festivals, fairs, social rituals and ceremonies, yatras, etc., for conveying messages, expressions, feelings and traditions of the diverse communities across the country. With changing times it became apparent that traditional communication media were neither sufficient nor well-equipped to meet the diverse information needs of the modern audiences. Hence, new media technologies have been popularised. Modern media: With the advent of modern technology the range of communication media has expanded