Facebook, SMS, Blackberry Messenger, Multiplexes, Fever 104, Radio Mirchi, Times of India, Mumbai Mirror, Tata Sky, BIG TV, Star, Colors, Doordarshan, Cosmopolitan, Chitralekha etc. The list is unending. Breaking news, flash, sting operation, MMS scandals, Love Guru, Live coverage of sports… The way we communicate with the large unseen audiences over the years, nationally and internationally has changed from newspapers and magazines to films, television and internet.
The simplest definition of mass communication is “information transmitted electronically or mechanically to large, perhaps millions or billions of people spread across the world”. With the increase in the sharing of information, and the spread of knowledge and daily happenings in real time, mass communication is in high demand. Effective Mass Communication is one of the most powerful arsenals in today’s world. It can change the tide of public opinion and send crucial messages out to a large section of society. The number of news channels, newspapers and radio stations are continually on the rise. The intelligent readership is budding and books are seeing resurgence in the market.
“Diversification in different areas of mass communication is witnessing a steep rise and is expected to thrive further, on account of growing professionalism and advancement in this sector”.
In India, the number of institutions offering Mass Communication/Mass Media courses is growing. Some of the most prominent are located in Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi, etc. to name a few – The Xavier’s Institute of Communication (Mumbai), The Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication (SIMC) (Pune), The Asian College of Journalism (Chennai), The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (New Delhi), Mudra Institute of Communications( Ahmedabad) etc. There are plenty of courses to choose from- Retail Design Advertising, Print Media Design, Illustration, Photojournalism, Commercial Photography, Broadcast System Maintenance , Radio Jockey, Acting and Modeling, Public Relations & Corporate Communications, Modern Issues in Journalism etc.
The sphere of mass communication being widely spread requires a combination of skills and traits. Anyone who is creative, dynamic, and enterprising and has flair to project his ideas, thoughts, observation through different mediums of communication can accommodate himself/herself comfortably in this industry. However, it is not easy to get in and progressing is even difficult. In general, excellent communication skills, being a good team player are important, besides being confident and hardworking. Other attributes vary from one another depending upon the area one pursues.
Changing times have revolutionized prospects in all most every career field one can find today. Almost all kinds of establishments whether business, government or political are availing of services, offered by this industry. So it is, logically, the need of the hour, to equip more young people with the tools that will make it possible for them to have a rewarding career in Mass Communication.
“While market conditions may be adverse, companies want to make more strategic investments in communication, to get people to get out and buy, since buying is, in fact, the only way out of a recession.”
Can a BMS student chose career in mass communication??