Why the craze for admissions to media schools?
Dear all,
One of the commentators of this blog raised a very pertinent question: Why the craze for admissions to good media schools when it is common knowledge that journalism can not be taught in media schools? Is there a straight yes and no answer to this question? No. His observation, basing on common knowledge, that journalism can not be taught in media schools is partly true. But yes there is another side to the issue that is driving the people in large numbers to media schools. In fact admissions to media schools are among the most sought after, perhaps in direct proportion to the number of people wanting to become a Barkha Dutt, bye and bye. The reasons for the rush that makes Saif wonder is purely because of the high glamour quotient of the media profession, propelled higher and higher by the likes of near-iconic television anchors Barkha Dutts and the Rajdeep Sardesais and the Karan Thapars who made even news entertaining and engaging. Plus media has been growing (despite recession, the profits have only dipped but most established media houses are not making losses) and offers exciting career options to the young people rolling out of the universities. Which is why, the discipline of journalism and media studies have been included in varsity curriculums across India. Other than specialised media schools journalism is being taught at many many more centres today than ever before. One single most important reason for the craze for admission to a good media school of repute is for the headstart it gives the student in the competitive race to join the profession. The degree/diploma that is recognised across media sector surely gives them that much of an advantage at the starting line of the profession. Do these schools offer more to the students? Again, the answer to my mind would be yes and no. Journalism, as a subject can still be taught. Though it is an ideas-based and ideas-driven profession that is ever dynamic with each situation demanding a different response, journalism follows certain rules, procedures and prrocesses. Whatever the medium, the art and craft of story-telling remains the same -- with slight modifications and changes in the sytle and substance, focus and emphasis. Be it print, television or the web, journalism demands content and the best content wins. This is where journalism or media schools can make a difference. Without destroying the creative abilities of the individual students who get into these institutes, the media schools can prepare the students for a career ahead in journalism -- by exposing them to the theoritical and practical aspects of the profession. And some of them are doing an admirable job. But yes, the course curriculum followed in the media institutes could perhaps do with a makeover -- with more stress on the practical aspects. Ideally a student emerging out of the media school should be ready to kick off on the job from the day one. Reality is a bit different, as me and many of my colleagues experience every day. But surely, the present day lot is several times better than the likes of us who wandered into the profession and were dazed during the initial days and spent time to figure it out. Yes, journalism can still be taught. And if it is done properly, it could be useful too. But yes, here a word about the young generation. Enthusiastic it may be, knowledgeable it might be by googling something evenas the good professor is saying something from experience, the youth brigade may well benefit more by giving some due recognition to the practical knowledge base that some media professionals must have gathered along their journey. On this risky note of annoying the youth brigade, the generation next, I would like to throw this floor open for a free for all. Like I said in my opening post, I welcome discussions as I am also learning at every stage. PLEASE DO LOG IN AND FIRE YOUR COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS AND QUESTIONS F YOU LIKE THIS e-mentoring IDEA, TELL OTHERS. IF YOU DONT, TELL ME. Cheers, Lakshmana
|
|
