This book traces the progress of mass communications in India and the West from a historical and sociological perspective, from primitive to modern times. Placing his argument in the global context within which mass communication takes place, the author:

- Emphasizes the distinction between communication and mass communication-the former being a two-way exchange and the latter mostly a one-way communication.

- Discusses the relevance of mass communication for the largely illiterate population of India, with particular reference to the type of media content and the inadequacy of conventional schooling.

- Discusses the rapid technological progress in the world in recent decades in the context of digitalization, computerization and media convergence, as well as the global nature of mass communication.

- Highlights that almost half the world`s population remains untouched by the communications revolution even at the beginning of the 21st century.

- Examines the potential of EDUSAT, the educational satellite launched recently, as a means to bring education and information to all sectors of the Indian population.