The 8-bit journo: J&K’s new-age news platform compatible with the Article 370 revocation
Thousands of troops entered the land of Kashmir in August. Locals were quick to identify the get wind of the change that was about to happen. Speculation was in the air. Article 35A of the Indian Constitution was at the front and center of all such discourses. But, when the Indian government showed its hand, astonishment cornered every inch of the atmosphere. As of 5 August 2019, abrogation befell upon most of Article 370. J&K’s special privileges with regards to the Indian Constitution came to a cessation. Irrespective of where you stand on the legality of this decision, its brutal aftermath is undeniable. Vice’s 8-bit Journo came as a much-needed relief in this climate.
One of the biggest changes facing the J&K population was the embargo on communications. The calendar is now heading towards the end of December. It has been more than 4 months since the ban. Residents of J&K have been living with limited mobile, landline, and internet connectivity. The average youngster in the state didn’t have access to the country’s as well as the world’s major happenings. After the return of SMS services in the area, Vice Asia came up with the world’s first Teletext news portal on SMS. This new platform called the 8-bit Journo condensed news from the last 4 months into immersive 8-bit news articles. Thereafter, lakhs of Kashmiris received crafted SMS updates. The residents of J&K caught up with all the major events that they missed out on. Moreover, this wasn’t made possible by some new futuristic inventions. Instead, a technology from decades ago brought about the birth of this revolutionary platform.
We feel that Vice’s 8-bit Journo served the residents of J&K with a humanitarian agenda. Our thoughts and prayers lie with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters transitioning into a new world order.
About Vice Media Group:
VICE Media Group is the world’s largest independent youth media company. Launched in 1994, VICE has offices in 35 cities across the globe with a focus on five key businesses: VICE.com, an award-winning international network of digital content; VICE STUDIOS, a feature film and television production studio; VICE on TV, an Emmy-winning international television network; a Peabody award-winning NEWS division with the most Emmy-awarded nightly news broadcast; and VIRTUE, a global, full-service creative agency with 21 offices around the world. VICE’s content has been recognized by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Peabodys, Golden Globes, Sundance Film Festival, George Polk, Scripps Howard, PEN Center, Cannes Lions, Knight Foundation, American Society of Magazine Editors, LA Press Club, James Beard and Webbys, among others. VICE Media Group’s portfolio includes Refinery29, the leading global media and entertainment company focused on women; PULSE Films, a London-based next-generation production studio with outposts in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Berlin; i-D, a global digital and bimonthly magazine defining fashion and contemporary culture; and Garage, a digital platform and biannual publication converging the worlds of art and design.
Credits
Vice Media Team
Sr. Growth Manager, VICE APAC: Sarvesh Jasuja
Editor-inChief, VICE APAC: Natashya Gutierrez
Audience Growth Manager: Pratik Patra
Associate Editor: Dhvani Solani
Staff Writer: Pallavi Pundir
Staff Writer: Shamani Joshi
Dentsu Webchutney Team
EVP & Branch Head: Nishi Kant
Executive Creative Director: Aalap Desai
Senior Vice President: Harsh Shah
AVP Strategy: Pragati Rana
Creative Director (Copy): Yash Kulshresth
Creative Director (Art): Ananda Sen
Senior Brand Strategist: Rohit Nair
Account Director: Rumi Behramkamdin
Group Head Copy: Sonia Gupta
Group Head Art: Aabhaas Shreshtha
Sr. Copywriter: Anirudh Venugopal
Sr. Visualiser: Devdutt Viz
Sr. Motion Graphic Artist: Sahil Chauhan
Associate Account Manager: Esha Bhivandker
Tags:
Dentsu, Webchutney, Vice Media, Article 370, Dentsu Aegis Network, 8-bit Journo, Jammu & Kashmir, Indian government, Internet, Innovation, Digital Innovation, Award Winning Campaign, Article 35A
