About Mass Communication & Journalism

 About Mass Communication & Journalism

Mass communication is the study of spreading information to a large audience through the various means of communication. Journalism is the activity of writing about recent developments for newspapers, magazines etc. It has enveloped reporting done through radio and television.

We all are connected through a web of different means of communication. Whether it’s the latest scores of Cricket matches or news on natural calamities, we get to know about them, thanks to the technology and the mass media. Mass communication is nothing but dispersing information to a huge number of people, i.e., the whole country or the world.  

It is said that journalism is the first draft of history. If mass communication is the activity of dispersing news, journalism is concerned with collection and dissemination of news through the print media as well as the electronic media. This involves various areas of works like reporting, writing, editing, photographing, broadcasting or cable casting news items.  Journalism includes investigating, analysing and reporting local as well as world events, trends, current affairs, and so on. 

Related Departments

Mass Communication is a field that examines the processes, institutions and effects of the media at both the national and international platforms. It typically falls under the umbrella of Art and Social Sciences streams. The course duration varies in different countries.

Many colleges in India offer a BA in Journalism. Some also have a B.Sc in Journalism and Mass Communication. Similarly, at the Master’s level, an M.A or an M.S in Communication are the degrees awarded. To become a journalist, one can complete a Bachelor's in mass communication/ mass media/journalism after class 12. After completion in a related graduation field, one may complete a Master's in journalism or mass communication. However, it is not mandatory to do a Master’s in journalism in order to get a job. In fact, the best way to learn journalism is by getting on the field. Those who want to get a better understanding of various communication theories, research techniques and an indepth knowledge of various other fields related to communication, Master’s degree is advisable.

Some qualities and skills that are needed to become a journalist:

Most often people think journalism is all about writing well. While that is true, most good professors will tell you that the course is also about a lot of reading. Good writing is developed only if you are an avid reader. Journalism is for people who are ready to explore various opportunities 24/7, without the constraints of cultural upbringing, gender, and are also ready to go beyond geographical boundaries.