By Ranjan K Baruah
In our last edition, we have published about journalism. Courses related to journalism and mass communication were taught together initially but later there are specialisations. Mass communication is the process of exchanging information through mass media to large segments of the population. In other words, mass communication refers to imparting and exchanging information on a large scale with a wide range of people. It is usually understood for relating to various forms of media as these technologies are used for dissemination of information, of which journalism and advertising are part of.
It differs from other forms of communication such as interpersonal or organisational communication because it focuses on particular resources transmitting information to numerous receivers. The study of mass communication is chiefly concerned with how the content persuades or otherwise affects the behaviour, attitude, opinion or emotion of the people receiving the information. It is being done through many media like radio, television, social networking, billboards, newspapers, magazines, film and the Internet. Advertising, journalism, public relations are associated with mass communication.
There are different courses related to mass communication. Apart from academic qualification many other skills are required. Required skills to be successful in the field of mass communication include creativity, confidence, effective communication skills, ability to work under strict deadlines, effective networking skills, research skills, interviewing skills, among others. There are under-graduation and post-graduation courses related to mass communication.
The curriculum includes writing for media, introduction to journalism, socio-economic and political scenario, history of print and broadcasting in India, print journalism, media laws and ethics, still photography, theory of communication, application of computer in media, development and communication, media management, basics of camera, lights and sound, folk media, television journalism and production, introduction to advertising, public relations, advertising practices, event management and media research.
Successful students will get placement in different media houses. There are scopes to join government department like Prasar Bharati, which includes Doordarshan or All India Radio. There are media experts in different departments and missions like National Health Mission. Different corporate hires for their communication team. There are many media houses in India which hire post graduates or graduates who studied Mass Communication as subject.
Indian Institute of Mass Communication is a leading institution in the country having its campuses in different parts. Over the past decade, IIMC has expanded its academic activities and started a number of specialised courses to meet the manpower requirements of the rapidly expanding media and communication industry.
IIMC also makes a concerted effort to constantly innovate its programmes to meet the challenges thrown up by developments in the industry. The syllabi are reviewed every year to make changes and suitable modifications to make them relevant to the needs of the industry.As there has been advancement in the field of technology so there has been changes in the field of mass communication. One must be technologically equipped and possess employability skills to be engaged in other organisation or managing own organisation as start up or new venture.
Updates:
Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Scheme for Minorities Girls: Maulana Azad Education Foundation invites applications from girls belonging to minority communities for Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Scheme for Minorities Girls 2019-20. The scholarship aims to provide tuition fee assistance along with other benefits to the meritorious girl students of the minority community who are unable to support their education due to financial issues. The scholarship is provided by the Maulana Azad Education Foundation, Ministry of Minority Affairs. Aspirants may apply before September 30.
(The author is a career mentor, skill trainer, motivational speaker and can be reached at [email protected] or 8473943734 for any career related queries)