There is no dearth of opportunities in the field of journalism but there are many challenges as well. The biggest challenge in the present times before media is to maintain its credibility. Veteran journalist Vijay Buva expressed these thoughts on Thursday at the western regional campus of Indian Institute of Mass Communication in the Editors Dialogue programme. Vijay Buva was the keynote speaker on this occasion. The event was presided by the Regional Director of Western Campus of IIMC Prof. (Dr.) Virendra Kumar Bharti. Journalist Anup Gadge was also present on this occasion.
Buva in his address said that with time there have been many changes in the field of journalism. Electronic media and digital media has increased the pace of journalism. It has impacted the way news was covered traditionally in the print media. Earlier, the news reporters had to make field visits in order to get new information. But now a days there are very few journalists who go for field reporting. Rather the reporters are using secondary sources such as press releases, social media, telephonic conversations and online sources to prepare news. The other change Buva observed was that political and crime related news stories were high on the agenda of media in comparison to news stories related to developmental issues. Journalists needed to put more focus on the concerns of farmers, rural areas, science, women etc. He said that opportunities and challenges were complementary to each other and the students of journalism required a strong passion within them only then they could excel in this profession.
Prof. (Dr.) Virendra Kumar Bharti in his address said that media played an important role in the society. It was the voice of the voiceless and could act as an instrument in fighting various social evils prevalent in the society. Media helped to create social awareness on important issues. It could assist government in making better plans and policies for the people. Dr. Bharti expressed his concern over fake news which according to him was the biggest challenge that journalism today was facing.
The introductory address was given by Prof. Anil Jadhav. Dr. Rajesh Singh Kushwaha welcomed and felicitated Mr. Vijay Buva. Dr. Vinod Nitale introduced the chief guest. Dr. Ashish Dube, Mr. Prabhat Kumar, Mr. Abhishek Srivastava, Mr. Sanjay Pakhode were other dignitaries present on this occasion. During the event lab journals prepared by the students of Hindi, English and Marathi journalism students was also inaugurated. Karan Moon, Rupesh Sonene, Ankita Chandak and Dipali More helped to organise this programme.