Over
the past five years, InterMedia has successfully completed more than 1,500
quantitative, qualitative and evaluative projects in Asia, including more
than 50 surveys. InterMedia analysts cover the region, from Pakistan to
Indonesia, focusing on difficult-to-access populations as well as the
dynamic markets of China and India.
In China and India, we’ve gathered information for ground-breaking, in-depth reports that uncover the emerging communications and media preferences of the vast populations of these countries, with a special focus on social networks and word-of-mouth. This analysis offers broadcasters, dot.coms, NGOs, marketers, advertisers and governments unparalleled insight into the present and future communications trends in this region.
InterMedia’s Asia team also bring a wealth of area aid and development experience, in program areas as diverse as communications, education, democracy and governance, capacity-building and community development.
Asia in the Digital Age
In terms of media and communication trends, across much of Asia InterMedia research finds that urban, educated youth are using these new resources to fuel unprecedented growth in the use, production and ownership of the latest in digital technologies, including internet, cell phones and SMS. Even in remote regions generally considered repressed and unconnected, residents are increasingly tech- and media-savvy. A growing number use satellite dishes, the internet and mobile phones to keep in touch with each other, and to gather and disseminate news and information.
But at the same time technology use is exploding, some repressive regimes have increased their efforts to find ways to control the flow of information. In some countries, journalists are jailed, websites are blocked, radio and television stations jammed. The penalties for getting caught evading these restrictions can be severe. Still, however, consumer ingenuity is slowly overtaking efforts to thwart access to new technologies. Even defectors from North Korea, one of the most repressive countries in the world, find ways to smuggle cell phones to their relatives living near the border.
Amanda Noonan is Regional Research Manager for Asia.