Journalism & Mass Communication In The 21st Century

As we reflect on the achievements of the 20th century, we note that the world witnessed several desirable developments in every field of human endeavor, some in parallel and some in sequence. The revolutionary changes in media technologies facilitated communication across oceans and mountains. We are now living in very challenging and terrible times dominated by forces of Covid- 19. It is universally accepted that media is the fourth pillar of democratic governance. It obviously has huge responsibilities in that it is mandated to inform the society about factual happenings. This is essentially because fake news can do untold harm to the national fabric. So to promote peaceful co-existence, all individuals associated with media in its various manifestations should be embedded in values such as truthfulness, Ahimsha, compassion, integrity, sense of service and honesty. In a way, they are expected to encourage togetherness of 21st Century global citizens.

We all know that human resources are generated by the prevailing education system, which, in turn, depends on revolutionary developments in media (both print and electronic) and technology. Starting from production of manuscripts, humans have been immensely benefited in knowledge transmission from one generation to another with the coming of printing and Internet. Starting from printing press in Gutenberg’s era print media has taken a remarkable ride from movable type printing press to digital printing. In fact, digital revolution brought different forms of mass media – cinema, newspapers, magazines radio, television and Internet – under one roof and came to our aid in the terrible times forced by Covid-19.

Though the first printing press was set up by Gutenberg in Germany, in India, the first newspaper Bengal Gazette was published in Calcutta (now Kolkata) by James Augustus Hikky. The radio and television came into existence during 1920s and it was expected that print media would take a back seat as radio made dissemination of news faster and attractive over airwaves. With its audio-visual form, television brought a boom in the media industry a few years later. In India television was introduced in the year 1959. Though Television dominated print and radio initially, it soon became complimentary media and extended the reach of word of mouth beyond spatial and temporal dimensions. However, supported by Computer technology, in 1995, Internet emerged as the new star of media industry bringing with it innumerable possibilities limited by human ingenuity.

It can now be said with some confidence that mass media proved highly successful in transmitting information, entertainment and knowledge in the twentieth Century. Internet made media content open to all subjects giving umpteen options to react/respond. New media made it possible to bring information and entertainment from across the world in a pocket sized gadget and created a global village. Besides making content assimilation and dissemination instantaneous, this 21st century mass media has converged all of its other forms. Online platforms demolished the walls that divided the journalist from its audience.

Prospects of Mass Communication Courses in India

When we talk of pursuing jobs in the media industry we come across two very common terms: Mass communication and Journalism. The term Journalism, was earlier associated with print media. However, its evolution with time gradually enveloped news coverage for television, radio and other forms of mass media, a term used for news media, cinema, advertising, entertainment media, public relations activities etc. Therefore job opportunities in Journalism and mass communication are not limited to newspapers, television or radio only. It includes openings in advertising, public relations, online news portals, cinema and films, corporate communication, communication solution organizations and graphic designers. United Nations organizations, non government organizations (NGOs) and media training academics also provide extremely good prospects and look for skilled workforce with a degree in journalism and mass communication.

The key to start a prosperous career in media is good language skill. A Bachelor’s/Master degree in Journalism will be of little use if you are not able to put your ideas and experiences aptly that draw attention of your readers/listeners. To start career in journalism you should start writing a blog. Find time to intern with media companies. This will help you associate with people from the field of journalism as well as get a job experience.

Journalism and Mass Communication Programme offered by UMU

Not many institutions are running under graduate programmes in journalism and mass communication, video production etc. in Jharkhand in spite of its social and economic importance. With a view to transform the lives of people of state from marginalization to empowerment, in 2019, Usha Martin University decided to offer a three year comprehensive skills-based BAJMC programme leading to bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. This programme endeavors to engage learners in various tasks related to operation and management of media.

The University has engaged very dedicated and highly knowledgeable faculty. They have keen interest in generation of new knowledge who bring the benefits of engagement with professional media experts to their students and facilitate enrichment lectures and seminars. With its excellent track record of campus placements in various other professional programmes, it is hoped that the training imparted to BAJMC graduates will keep them in good stead.

The University has moved to its new campus in Narayansoso, Angara and created excellent training facilities. I very strongly recommend admission open BJMC Course of Usha Martin University.