As the name itself suggests, mass communication deals with a wider range of media to ‘communicate’ different stories, messages, facts or statistics to the public. Innumerable amount of courses ranging from advertising, public relations, films, Journalism etc can be categorized in this domain. However a great deal of confusion arises when we discuss about Journalism and whether it is same or different from Mass Communication. While the general definition of journalism is specific to delivering news to public through print, electronic or digital media. Print media covers newspapers and magazines. Digital media disseminates information through social and web-based platforms. Electronic journalism reports news through television and radio.
Whereas Mass Communication deals with the procedure of conveying or transmitting a message to the general population through media like radio, newspapers, magazines, television, internet and so on. News reporting is the primary focus of journalism, whether it be for newspapers, magazines, or television. Mass communication involves a broad spectrum of media types such as films, documentaries, graphics, events, and corporate communication, among others. It covers various forms of communication, including television, radio, and online platforms.
Mass communication
Mass Communication is a vast sector comprising of numerous branches. Aspirants can study subjects of their interest in mass communication. A wide range of graduate and postgraduate programmes in Mass Communication are available across leading educational institutions in the country. Specialized Diploma and Post Graduate diploma courses in mass communication also provide numerous lucrative job opportunities in both the private and public sectors. However a graduation in the respective fields is a requisite for the entry-level jobs. Courses in convergent journalism, advertising and PR, print and TV journalism, film studies, broadcast journalism, and radio/TV production are available. Research degrees in mass communication can lead to careers as academic or research analysts in related fields. There are job opportunities in various industries such as commercial, publishing, film, media, and image management agencies for mass communication professionals.
Also Read: List of Media Science Colleges in Siliguri
Journalism
There are so many courses in journalism that an aspirant can pursue. It includes Bachelors’, Masters’ and even diploma courses. To become a journalist, aspirants should have atleast a graduation in journalism. Indepth awareness in political science, economics, and sociology will be really helpful in honing the talents of a journalist. They can seek out careers in print media like newspapers or journals as editors, reporters, proofreaders, feature writer and so on. Similarly, individuals can secure employment in electronic modes of communication as production workers, broadcast journalists, presenters, and other related roles.
With such a variety to choose from, students are advised to pay a lot of attention to the programme they select. If you are more inclined towards the print industry, it makes sense to choose a print journalism programme than opting for a full-fledged course in mass communication. Similarly, if events and advertising appeal to you, don’t opt for a programme that’s related to print.
Pure journalism courses no longer focus solely on print journalism. They now cover film criticism, content writing, social media marketing, advertising, PR, radio, and television. Given these changes, it is recommended to pursue a convergent journalism course that prepares one for the mass media industry.It exposes you to the interdisciplinary approach of looking at events and presenting a comprehensive perspective.
