“Mediating” the Budget – Consequences for Development - Dr. Sathya Prakash E Department of Communication, S N School, University of Hyderabad Communication has always been an area of interdisciplinary study. Over a period of time, the range of social issues associated with the study of mass communication has widened, with special attention given to the questions of women in society, international communication, and the social consequences of new information technology. In continuation with the interdisciplinary tradition of communication, i am interested in studying mass media and its views and perceptions on issues pertaining to finances and financial inclusion. 1991 is held as the watershed year with regard to economic liberalisation in India. In spite of the drastic departures from Nehruvian socialism post-liberalisation, state is still the most important of all agencies for facilitating development. And the annual budget remains the biggest instrument for unfurling development initiatives, even in this supposedly globalised world. Budget is also an important symbolic practice and it becomes necessary for it to cater to various competing constituencies. In this context, it becomes important to study the relationship between the budget, and its presentation in the media. Highlighting demands for outlays from various sections of the country, analyzing the impact of measures announced in the budget and communicating them to the citizens is the responsibility of media. But, can media, which are entangled in a web of commercial interests, perform that role? This is a question worth asking? 1