Cellphones Bring Communications, Development to Remote Areas of India

By: Patrick Butler | 01/11/2012

India's Asian News International reports on a "revolutionary" initiative by Knight International Journalism Fellow Shubhranshu Choudhary that allows tribals in a remote region of the country to communicate with each other and with mainstream media and activists outside of their region. In this video report, a citizen journalist trained by Choudhary says the service has allowed villagers to report significant problems that might have gone unreported in the past.

News Category
Country/Region

Latest News

Press Freedom: ICFJ-Backed Journalists ‘Refuse to Let the Truth Be Erased’ Amid Growing Challenges

Risks to journalists’ safety and their ability to operate are growing every day, from state-sponsored repression and legal attacks to armed conflicts and online violence. “Right now, it feels like a perfect storm has hit independent media,” said Anastasia Rudenko, founder and editor-in-chief of the Ukrainian outlet Rubryka.

ICFJ Voices: ICFJ "Broadens the Lens of Journalists," Says LaMont Jones

LaMont Jones is the managing editor for education at U.S. News and World Report. Through an ICFJ study tour, he deepened his knowledge of the Middle East, connected with colleagues and published articles. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Jones is based in Washington, DC.

Independent Journalists Share Their Best Practices for Cultivating Audiences

At the 2025 International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy, winners of ICFJ’s inaugural News Creator Award discussed how they successfully navigate the terrain. They shared concrete strategies focused on content, community, storytelling and sustainability, offering valuable insights for peers seeking to connect meaningfully with audiences and solidify their place in the evolving media ecosystem.