SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY- RAMAPURAM

EVENT TITLE                         : New Age Media

DATE                                        : 29.07.2024

TIME                                         : 10:00am -12:00pm

VENUE                                     : AV Hall, Central Library Block

EVENT CONVENER              : Dr.N.Meenakshi ( HOD of JMC)

EVENT COORDINATORS    : Mrs .Aparna Sudheendharan

NO OF PARTICIPANTS : 27

SUMMARY OF THE EVENT:

The event commenced with the Thamizh Thai Vazhthu by students from the College of Science and Humanities, setting a respectful and cultural tone for the proceedings.

Welcome Address:

The Head of the Department, Dr. N. Meenakshi, delivered the welcome speech, introducing the topic of New Age Media and the chief guest. She highlighted the chief guest’s work and his achievements. Janani, a first-year student, followed with an address, highlighting the significance of the event.

Introduction of Chief Guest:

Mrs. Aparna Sudheendhran, Assistant Professor in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication introduced the chief guest, Mr. Karthikeyan. She provided an overview of his background and achievements, setting the stage for an informative session.

Technical Session:

Mr. Karthikeyan initiated the session by engaging students in a discussion about their career aspirations and their relevance to journalism. As an expert in political journalism, he emphasized the importance of diversifying one’s knowledge and exploring various fields to enhance professional versatility. He stressed that a spirit of inquiry and adaptability and abreast to change is crucial for journalists, advising them to stay informed and responsive to industry changes.

He addressed the complexities of content management, discussing how to balance the reduction of excessive information while maintaining editorial integrity and political neutrality. Mr. Karthikeyan shared his personal approach to these challenges, noting that his perspectives were informed by personal experience. He highlighted the value of a broad reading habit across various subjects—including journalism, social media, films, and literature—as a means to enhance professional skills and content quality. In response to queries about staying updated and the relevance of political knowledge, Mr. Karthikeyan encouraged students to begin with their areas of interest and gradually expand their knowledge base. He recommended engaging with content through preferred media formats and subscribing to EPW (Economic and Political Weekly) and other important magazines for critical insights.

Regarding traditional media, he acknowledged the pressures faced by print and broadcast sectors due to the rise of New Age Media. However, Mr. Karthikeyan asserted that traditional media will continue to be relevant. He underscored the need for journalists to cultivate a diverse skill set, including writing, reporting, and photography. He emphasized that proficiency in one area, such as reporting, should be complemented by skills in other domains, like content writing and photography, to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment where Mr. Karthikeyan addressed several political issues, including reservation policies, the new category of EWS ( Economically weaker section, and electoral bonds. He articulated his strong personal viewpoints while maintaining a clear separation between personal beliefs and professional responsibilities. He advised journalists to uphold this professional detachment to ensure unbiased reporting and maintain journalistic integrity.

Additionally, Mr. Karthikeyan provided insights on managing conflicts from various sources, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation and practical experience in effectively navigating these challenges.

Vote of Thanks:

Bharath, a first-year student, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the chief guest, faculty members, and attendees for their participation and contributions

OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAM: (Based on SDG and Feedback) SDG 4: Quality Education

The event enhanced students’ knowledge and skills in journalism, promoting continuous learning and adaptability to industry changes.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

By emphasizing a diverse skill set, the event prepared students for the evolving media industry, supporting sustainable employment and economic growth.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The focus on editorial integrity and political neutrality equips future journalists to contribute to informed, resilient communities.

The event fostered essential skills and ethical standards in journalism, aligning with SDG goals by promoting education, economic growth, and sustainable communities