On August 31, the Faculty of Media Studies and Humanities (FMeH) at the Faridabad based Manav Rachna International University (MRIU) organised its annual ‘National Media Conclave’ on the theme ‘Media Outreach: Responsibility & Accountability’ at its campus. The conclave was graced by eminent media professionals including Anurradha Prasad, chairperson & MD, BAG Network; Pankaj Pachauri, founder & editor in chief, Go News; M K Venu, founding editor, The Wire; Rajesh Badal, executive director, Rajya Sabha; Ajit Anjum, India TV; Shubrastha – assistant editor, India Foundation Journal; Sourabh Bhattacharya, consulting editor, Economic Times.com. The guests were welcomed by Dr. N C Wadhwa, VC, MRIU; Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, MD, MREI and Dr. Neemo Dhar, dean, FMeH.
In his address, Dr. Wadhwa said, “Media has transformed from having limited access to having unlimited access in the last decade. While social media has made information sharing very easy, it has also made the media more accountable and responsible. We need to think afresh and make concerted efforts to formulate a strategy for making the media accountable and responsible, without losing its freedom. I am sure that our students will benefit immensely from the experiences of such eminent media personalities”.
As the guest of honour, Prasad advised media students to not get into the trap of ‘arrogance of knowledge’ that is very common in the industry. She added, “If you have chosen a profession, you cannot negate your responsibility. We need to exercise self-regulation and therefore the accountability and responsibility begin with us. Aspiring media students should read extensively every morning, because that will give them the power to question”.
Pachauri informed students about the News Broadcasters Association which puts forth self regulatory commandments and encouraged the students to read the commandments before they step into the industry. He said, “In today’s age, when every citizen is a journalist, media students must find their own four corners and their own parameters for ensuring accountability. Students must learn the art of marshaling and polishing information before broadcasting it. A media professional should be able to ask questions and as students of journalism, you must start now”.
Venu also took the students through the massive changes in the industry in the last two decades and how they must adapt to those changes.
A souvenir on the National Media Conclave was also released on the occasion.
Incepted in 1997, Faridabad based Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) encompasses a group of several vibrant, world class institutions such as Manav Rachna International University, Manav Rachna University (formerly known as Manav Rachna College of Engineering), and Manav Rachna Dental College (MRDC), all of which boast the coveted NAAC ‘A’ grade status.
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