Journalism Education at Crossroad in India: A SWOT Analysis

In India, education and training in Mass Communication and Journalism is about 60 years old. In pre-independence time Punjab University of Lahore was the first to offer a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism course. But after Independence the first university of Journalism which came into existence in 1990 was Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism, Bhopal and the second university of Journalism which is recently established in 2004 is Kushabhau Thakre Patrakarita Awam Jansanchar University, Chattisgarh. Media education in India has made its advent through western influences. The composite culture of India incorporates Mass Communication and Journalism in all its languages and regions. Mass Communication and Journalism education assumes new significance in the age of globalization and communication. In India at present most of the agricultural universities are imparting training on farm communication, extension education and development communication. Many Universities and private institutions annually train number of students in various aspects of Mass Communication and Journalism including reporting, editing, photography, videography, printing, designing, advertising, public relations, research, web - journalism etc. Most of the universities and colleges have provided infrastructural facilities and manpower in audio-visual communication to fulfill the market demand generated by explosion of infotainment sector in 24 x 7 news channels, FM radios, Community Radio Stations, Advertising agencies and many more. However, Mass Communication and Journalism teaching, training, research and extension activities are not properly organized on sound resources and systematic management. Especially the teaching of communication skills and crafts is almost haphazard. The mushrooming mass communication institutes are churning thousands of inefficient thereof unemployed graduates and postgraduates every year. Campus placement is not guaranteed anywhere in journalism course. This is notbecause there no demand but the reality is that most of the times the media owners or the industry people are not finding competent freshers who can be picked up directly after passing out. The Press Commissions (1954&1984) have recognized the importance of Mass Communication and Journalism training for the overall development of the country. Although, the second Press Commission headed by Justice K. K. Mathew has made only a passing reference in this regard. Proper mass communication and journalism education and training is very essential in order to develop media systems, professionals and activities vigorously. Within the above framework this paper tries to scan the challenges before journalism education in India. Its present status and suggestions to uphold and maintain the standard of media studies in India that can nurture the Indian students to match the international standards.