The last decade has seen a total transformation of how information and entertainment content has been produced, distributed and consumed. The entire paradigm has shifted from large print and broadcast houses to individuals, from paper and magazines to digital devices and from periodic news gathering to real-time collection and transmission. Changes in this space have been more drastic than ever before in history. Traditional journalism has been in print and broadcast spaces. Reporters and editors in newspapers and magazines and television presenters. Here is a brief analysis on the specialisations in journalism and the opportunities ahead in each space.
Let’s begin with print journalism. Print has been and will continue to face challenges as more and more people continue to get their news online and on their handheld devices. Some of the most popular newspapers have stopped their print versions and function only online. Newspapers are adapting to a paid format with specialised articles focusing on analysis and unique insights, instead of regular news. So this does open up opportunities for journalists who have a keen eye for interesting topics and well-collated research. Good writing skills are a must.
Broadcast journalism is transforming and is now not exclusive to large television houses only. Currently, the broadcast business is driven by news, reality TV, long format entertainment such as television serials, short films and feature based content. Those wishing to make a career in the broadcast space have sufficient opportunities as TV hosts, news anchors, comperes of shows and presenters. This apart, they can also put together their own shows, drive their own content and have slots allotted to them as is the case with several leading names in the industry. A presentable personality and excellent communication skills are essential to make a career in this space.
Digital is by and large the largest growing space and opportunities for journalists and any other kind of content creators, are virtually unlimited. The growth of a medium is determined by the ad spends and digital media has surpassed television for the first time, securing a 44% share in 2023, according to Exchange4media. This is followed by television with 32%, and print media with 20%. It is estimated that by 2024, digital media is anticipated to contribute half of the total advertising spends.
The number of people consuming digital media content in India has been growing exponentially. An estimated 600 million Indians access WhatsApp every month. The number of Facebook and Instagram monthly users are over 450 million and 420 million respectively, according to Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Director, Maruti Suzuki Ltd.
Coming to YouTube, in 2022 users watched over 1 billion hours of regional language content per month. In India, the number of channels producing regional language content has grown by over 50% and the number of views of regional language content on has grown by over 100%, in the last year.
Comscore’s data reveals that the social media consumption has doubled since January 2020, to 5.5 billion hours in 2023 from 2.6 billion hours. The study covers three main platforms Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) into account.
There are various other changes on the technology front. Advancements in AI and ML will enable broadcasters to deliver personalised content. Viewers can curate content playlists to suit their preferences. These would open up newer opportunities for journalists.
So students of arts and humanities wishing to pursue fulfilling careers in journalism, can look forward to exciting times ahead with more freedom and technology at their disposal than ever before. They can be independent broadcasters, newscasters, sports analysts, financial analysts, social commentators, entertainers, product reviewers, influencers, food bloggers… virtually anything, while they pursue enriching careers.
The College of Journalism and Mass Communication (CJMC) at Dayananda Sagar University offers the following programs that opens doors to various career pathways -
BA-JMC, 3 Years - Offers specialisations in Journalism,Visual Communication,and Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC).
BA-JMC (Hons), 4 Years - Gives an opportunity to advance academic research in media and communication.
The 4-year BA (Hons) program offers skills in IMC, Advertising and Public Relations, Social Media and Digital Marketing, Audio-Visual Communication & Filmmaking, Photography, and Multimedia Communication.
Also imparted are subjects including English Literature, Psychology, Sociology and Economics, aligned with the demands of a new-age media industry.
The CJMC’s programmes at Dayananda Sagar University offers a dynamic environment for students pursuing careers in journalism and media. With a range of specialized programs, students can explore various career pathways in this rapidly evolving industry. Whether it's journalism, visual communication, integrated marketing communications, or academic research in media and communication, CJMC provides the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field. The programs emphasize hands-on learning, industry-relevant curriculum, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. With experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to excellence, CJMC prepares students to become confident and competent media professionals ready to make a difference in the world of journalism and mass communication.
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