Journalism and Mass Communication; by definition means the collection, production and distribution of information based on the interaction of events, people, circumstances, facts and ideas. Humankind across the world, rely and depend on mass media for information and news. With masses depending on the medium, it is the responsibility of the professional in the spectrum to be ethical, truthful and free from biases. In this article, we will dwell in to understanding journalism and mass communication better, JMC courses offered by leading institutes and the scope for journalism and mass communication.
Importance of Journalism and Mass Communication in The Modern World
The world we live in today is globalized and more inclined towards the digital spectrum. Journalism and Mass Communication has evolved along with the world and its people. News and information can be accessed from anywhere through any medium. It is not limited to just the television and the newspaper any longer. You can get your every-day information from social media platforms, various news apps and even use artificial intelligence to acquire details. Journalism has a lot of power to keep people informed and disseminate awareness. It transcends across various industries such as business, entertainment, education, cinema, science and technology.
Specializations in Journalism and Mass Communication
JMC is a multidisciplinary field of work. The skills you learn from your bachelor’s or masters program can be applied to various genres of occupations. With regards to employment opportunities, below are some of the industries in which you can excel with a degree in journalism and mass communication:
- Advertising and Marketing
- Broadcast Journalism
- Radio Jockeying
- Public Relations and Event Management
- Film Production
- Sports Journalism
- Photojournalism
- Investigative Journalism
- News Reporting
- Content Writing and Copywriting
- Photography
- Video Production
- Media Management
Key Highlights and Features of Journalism and Mass Communication
Journalism and Mass Communication are, together, concurrent in nature. During the duration of your course, under the guidance of industry specialists and professionals, you get to learn crucial skills such as drafting a compelling pitch, gathering information and sources, writing for television, writing for print mediums, practicing media ethics and upholding press freedom. Some of the key aspects and features of JMC are:
Critical Thinking
The ability to come up with rational decisions and engage in practical thought process that are required to accurately approach a news story.
Media Ethics and Freedom
A good journalist and a mass media professional ensures that they are being truthful and unbiased. This builds public trust and helps maintain integrity. Principles such as accuracy, legitimacy and accountability must be practiced.
Effective Communication Skills
Reporting and disseminating information through various mediums is a conscientious task. While giving information to people, one must ensure that necessary messages are conveyed accurately. All journalists and mass media professional must have effective communication skills and a flair for storytelling.
Influential and Impactful
Media as an institution holds a lot of power and this power requires the media to be responsible and accountable. It has the potentiality to influence public opinion.
Diverse Career Paths
All the skills you learn from your degree in journalism and mass communication can be applied to various other job opportunities as well. This spans across advertising, public relations, film production etc.
Top Colleges for Journalism and Mass Communication in India
Students who aspire to take up a career in journalism and mass communication have a lot of options to choose from; India’s most leading institutes offer exemplary programs along with well curated workshops, internship opportunities and great placement options. The best institutes to look out for are:
- IIMC (Indian Institute of Mass Communication) New Delhi
- ACJ (Asian College of Journalism) Chennai
- Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai
- Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communications, Pune
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Christ University, Bangalore
- A General Overview of a Potential Curriculum Structure
Syllabus Structure for Journalism and Mass Communication
| Mass Communication | Journalism |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Mass Communication | Introduction to Journalism |
| Media Law and Ethics | Print Journalism |
| Advertising Public Relations | Communication Theory |
| Film Studies | Media History |
| Communication Theories | Newspaper Editing and Production |
| Media Management | Media Laws and Ethics |
| Corporate Communications | Film and Documentary Studies |
| Digital Marketing | Writing as a Journalist |
| Research Methodologies | Data Journalism |
| Political Journalism | |
| Research Methodologies | |
| PR and Communication |
Course fees for undergraduate and postgraduate in both Journalism and Mass Communication can begin from an average of Rs. 20,000 and can go up to Rs. 3,00,000 per year. Journalism and Mass Communication course fee for each of the undergraduate and postgraduate programs may vary based on the institution you enroll in.
Career Opportunities and Upcoming Trends in Journalism and Mass Communication
The industry of journalism and mass communication is not an insubstantial one. Through the degree program you enroll in, you get to learn a lot of professional skills and these skills can be applied to the following professions:
- Public Relations: Disseminating and Managing information and public image for individuals and organizations
- Event Management: Crafting and Curating events for companies, individuals and groups
- Sports Journalism: Gathering, curating and reporting all news related to sports
- Advertising Agencies: Professional agencies that take up advertising and marketing for clients
- News Reporting: Reporting in the studio, at the desk and at the field
- Freelance Journalism: Working for various clients/agencies on need basis or based on assignment requirements
- Print Media: Writing for various print mediums such as magazines, tabloids and newspapers
- Broadcast Journalism: Broadcasting news through electronic mediums
- Film Production: Working in the film industry to craft all productions requirements for a movie
Digital Journalism: Using new digital technologies to practice journalism
Upcoming Trends in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Podcasting: An audio medium available on the digital sphere. This can be on specific topics and genres with one or more people indulging in conversations
- Citizen Journalism: Members of the society creating and reporting news
- Mobile Journalism: Practicing journalism using a mobile phone. Also known as MoJo
- Digital Media: The usage of all digital mediums to disseminate news. This includes the use of artificial intelligence and virtual reality
- Short-form content: Creating content using techniques such as Instagram reels and YouTube shorts to convey messages effectively and quickly
- Influencer Marketing: Marketing services and products collaborating with social media influencers and content creators
The average salary for professionals in Journalism and Mass Communication range from Rs. 3,00,000/- to Rs. 10,00,000/- per year.
Conclusion
The scope for journalism and mass communication in India and across the world is tremendous. The visible growth of mass media and journalism proves that the industry is bound to grow more. From conventional forms of news reporting through newspaper, television and the radio to being able to access information through mobile phones and virtual reality, the possibility of mass media is immense. For students who aspire to become a journalist or a mass communication specialist, you get to now opt from an array of leading institutes and colleges that offer curated and structured degree, diploma and certification programs in journalism and mass communication.
Read more about AAFT’s School of Mass Communication and Journalism here.