Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (AM)
Mangaluru, Mar 9: A national seminar on the theme ‘Media Convergence - Opportunities and Challenges’ kicked off in a grand fashion on Thursday, March 9 at Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO), constituent college of Nitte University at Deralakatte here.
Addressing the gathering, Vasanthi Hariprakash, anchor, radio and TV personality said that Dakshina Kannada region with different faiths, religions, languages and culture was the best example for convergence.
“I had the privilege of seeing media from very close. There are 70,000 newspapers, 1,600 satellite channels with 400 news channels and a countless radio stations. With over 100 million newspapers being sold every day, India is the largest market for print media in the world. Over that there are independent blogs and social media sites,” she said.
“Media have been democratized like never before. Tweets go viral in seconds. Media are improving day by day and we are really privileged to be in this age. But as a side effect, many of the journalists are in trouble nowadays as they keep their unbiased viewpoints. While that is the side-effect, the good news is, we have many young minds who are joining the world of journalism. Journalists nowadays are not just reporters with notepads. They converge as photographer, videographer and a reporter. They are not anymore the unipolar reporters of yesterday. A reporter these days is a person who carries the power of convergence with his multitasking. You can observe that in premier news organisations that camerapersons are not being used nowadays. Because, there are so many multitasking professionals among us,” she added.
“Go where life takes you, but document all that you do. Make sure you do path-breaking work. There is technology to help you,” she concluded.
Vasanthi took the gathering through her journey of life from working as a sub-editor for a leading newspaper, as an RJ in a popular radio station to serving as a special correspondent at NDTV 24x7 and anchoring documentary episodes on BBC World News. She also spoke about the successful news website ‘Goanconnection.com’ and newspaper Goan Connection, the Hindi weekly which was a brave attempt by journalists for the rural population of Uttar Pradesh.
N Vishal Hegde, pro-chancellor, Nitte University who presided over the function said, that it was a good opportunity for students to know people as a galaxy of different personalities and interact with them. “I grew up in the 70s when newspaper was the only source of news for us. And then came the television. The family time was spent with newspapers and the TV. But there is no family time as social media has come into play today. Everyone is busy with one’s own devices,” he said.
“News channels do not telecast news these days. It is only opinions on panel discussions. Having an opinion is very important. But thinking that only my opinion is right is wrong. Only one per cent of the entire population in India watch news on TV as all the news is accessible on Whatsapp and other social media forums,” he added.
Vishal further said that the students of the institution were the journalists of the future and thus have to make the best use of the seminar. He also advised them to debate and discuss the issues concerned with the panellists.
Prof Varadesh Hiregange, director of Gandhian and Peace Studies, Manipal University, Prof Chandra Mouli, HoD, Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies and Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes, bureau chief, Deccan Herald will be the panellists for seminar.
The valedictory ceremony of seminar will be presided over by Dr Indrani Karunasagr, director of Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research.
Earlier, Prof Raviraj Kini, head of the department welcomed the gathering. Kevin Thomas compered the programme. Rohan D'Costa, assistant professor delivered the vote of thanks.
Prof Varadesh Hiregange, Prof Chandra Mouli, Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes, Anisha Nishanth, coordinator; Wilma Serrao, faculty, other faculty members and students were present.
‘Beacons 2K17’ which will be held on March 10 and 11, will see a participation and presentation of research papers by media professionals, academicians, students and research scholars from across India. The fest will be graced by Sandalwood lyricist Dr Jayanth Kaikini and Sandalwood film 'Kirik Party' fame Kiranraj.
The two-day media fest filled with dance, music and exciting competitions like theme dance, face painting, mock press, JAM, creative writing, crisis management, spot photography, short film making, icebreaker, treasure hunt, live reporting, mime, quiz, RJ hunt and product launch will see a participation of nearly 20 colleges from across India.