Mumbai (Maharashtra), [India], October 1; Mumbai has become a hub for a significant new initiative with the establishment of the Centre for Media and Policy Research (CMPR), a think tank and a collaborative space shaping the future of media academics and research in India. CMPR brings together researchers, policymakers and industry leaders to explore the evolving media ecosystem. The Centre has been created in response to the growing need for a collaborative space in media research, where academic mentorship and interdisciplinary approaches can be nurtured to address emerging challenges.
Today’s media landscape is rapidly evolving, with the rise of digital platforms, misinformation, and shifting audience media consumption patterns. These changes require a fresh approach that balances academic rigour with practical application. CMPR aims to fill this gap by providing a platform for researchers, professionals and policymakers to co-create knowledge to drive meaningful change. Located in Mumbai, the hub of India’s media and entertainment industry, CMPR is uniquely positioned to leverage its proximity to the sector’s key players while drawing expertise from across the country.
The Centre’s research agenda is structured into three primary wings, each focusing on a critical area within the media landscape:
The Rural and Folk Media Wing: This division is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of rural and folk media tradition. By utilising new media technologies to create immersive experiences of folk traditions, CMPR aims to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, ensuring that these important media forms continue to thrive in the digital age.
The Audience Research Wing: With media consumption becoming increasingly complex, this wing focuses on understanding how individuals and communities engage with media. The wing conducts research (Research articles/papers/ case studies) on audience preferences, consumption patterns, and the impact of media on public opinion. These insights are invaluable to both academics and industry professionals, as they shed light on how media content is perceived and its broader societal effects.
The Consultancy Wing: In addition to academic research, CMPR actively engages with the media industry through its consultancy services. The Centre provides strategic advice to media organizations, conducts impact studies and helps shape media strategies.
The Centre for Media and Policy Research is not only a collaborative space for academic institution but also a catalyst for media transformation.
In addition to the research activities at CMPR, the centre is also collaborating with national and international academic institutions and research centers to conduct joint research projects, exchange knowledge and build networks within the academic community. These collaborations have also contributed to the development of CMPR’s strong foundation and reputation as a leading center for media research.
The Centre for Media and Policy Research is not just an academic institution but also a platform for driving positive change in media. With its interdisciplinary approach and focus on key media issues like misinformation, ethics, and audience behavior, CMPR is set to become a valuable resource for media research in India. By fostering collaboration among academics, industry professionals, and policymakers, the Centre aims to influence media policy and practice in meaningful ways. As CMPR begins its work, its efforts to promote media diversity, literacy, and evidence-based policy recommendations will be important steps toward addressing the challenges facing the media landscape today.
Visit: www.cmprindia.org for research & collaborations.
