Introduction
Communication means communication between two parties, the sender and the receiver.
Earlier the humans communicated via pictures, and then writing was invented. Gradually
speech evolved. The invention of printing press was a breakthrough in communication
as large part of text could be printed and the message could be passed to many people.
Gradually with the Invention of telegraph, telephone distance communication was
possible. Mass Communication became more important with the invention of radio,
television and moving image because the intended message could be sent to large
number of people. They are considered the most effective ways of communicating your
ideas to public. Mass Media has become an integral part of our lives today. Each
one of us depends on Television, Radio or the Internet for daily news and Information.
Besides providing entertainment, mass media does a prolific job of educating the
masses. In a developing country like India, Mass Communication plays a vital role.
Many private companies depend on mass media and advertise their products so that
they can earn revenue through advertisements. The major branches in Mass Communication
are – Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, Films and Television, Photography
and Book Publishing.
History
Types of drama in numerous cultures were probably the first mass-media, going back
into the Ancient World. The first dated printed book known is the "Diamond Sutra",
printed in China in 868 AD, although it is clear that books were printed earlier.
Movable clay type was invented in 1041 in China. Johannes Gutenberg printed the
first book on a printing press with movable type in 1453. This invention transformed
the way the world received printed materials, although books remained too expensive
really to be called a mass-medium for at least a century after that. Newspapers
developed around from 1612, with the first example in English in 1620. During the
20th century, the growth of mass media was driven by technology that allowed the
massive duplication of material. Radio and television allowed the electronic duplication
of information for the first time. These days the mass media has become an integral
part of our daily lives without which we cannot imagine our society.
Parallel Stream to Mass Communication are
1. Advertising :
Advertising is a form of communication used to help sell products and services.
Typically it communicates a message including the name of the product or service
and how that product or service could potentially benefit the consumer.
2. Journalism :
Journalism is concerned with writing, editing and producing the information through
various types of media like newspapers, radio, Television and Internet.
3. Public Relations :
Public relations is the art and science of managing communication between an organization
and its key publics to build, manage and sustain its positive image.
4. Film & Television :
5. Film is a term that encompasses motion pictures as individual projects, as well
as the field in general. Television (TV) is a widely used telecommunication medium
for transmitting and receiving moving images, either monochromatic ("black and white")
or color, usually accompanied by sound.
6. Photography :
Photography is the process, activity and art of creating still or moving pictures
by recording radiation on a sensitive medium, such as a photographic film, or an
electronic sensor.
7. Book Publishing :
Publishing is the industry concerned with the production of literature or information
– the activity of making information available for public view. In some cases, authors
may be their own publishers.
If you like challenges and are ready to work in 24 X 7 atmosphere, If you like glamour,
fame and money then Mass Communication is the field for you. With growing private
channels and increasing literacy; there is a lot of scope for Mass Communication.
Mass Communication is the next happening thing after software boom. Mass media is
not only restricted to entertainment but a lot of Universities are using Mass Communication
knowledge to start their own Virtual Education classrooms which has a lot of scope
in the future. With virtual education; people can pursue their study from any corner
of the world. Almost all kinds of establishments whether business, government or
political are availing of services, offered by these industries, therefore an encouraging
sign for those looking ahead to making a career in mass communication. Earlier mass
media was considered a leisurely activity but now Mass Communication jobs are considered
as any other jobs from any field. The pay package is also very attractive. Since
digitization mass media has become digital. Therefore now the quality of television
and radio has improved giving better access to people and making life easier for
the technicians.
Current Market Scenario :
Today, India is a big media market and in the mean while there had gone some major
developments in the mass communication study-sectors, which led to the gradual establishment
of number of institutes in newspapers, magazines, TV channels, advertisement firms
and production houses which prepare films and programs, along with the huge advancement
in the world of Internet. The big achievement of this sector is the fact that common
men is now much more aware of the power of media and with time they are using them
to raise their issues and make their efforts noticed through mass media. In a nutshell,
mass communication has gone much more personalized over the years and there is a
huge market for it to explore and hence great career prospects for the practitioners
in the present and future too.
Do you make the cut?
Physical Challenge :
Media is a very competitive field. You need to have the aptitude for making contacts
if you want to progress in this field. The working hours are very long and at times
you may have to stay at the location till the shooting is over. Erratic working
hours and a lot of hard work is required. You should be ready to work in a team.
You must have good physical stamina.
Psychological challenge :
You must enjoy your work. You must have excellent communication skills,
organizational skills and you should be a good team player. You should be confident
and hard working. You must have an inquisitive mind, will power and tactful. The
ability to accept criticism and willingness to do considerable rework are also necessary.
Top Career Options
Mass Communication is a dynamic field and has a lot of opportunities for young graduates.
They can become news reporters, directors, producers, scriptwriters, editors, technicians,
creative directors in advertising, media researchers. They can become freelance
directors or producers. Some students can start their own production company. But
it is better if they can acquire work experience before venturing into their own
production. There are a lot of opportunities in Television Production Companies,
Radio Stations, EMRCs (Educational and Media Research Centers). They can also work
as corporate communication executives in Corporate Companies, Media Planners and
Public Relation Officers for other Industries or Companies.
Remuneration & Lifestyle
A Mass Communication graduate can start with a basic salary of Rs. 6000 and above
initially. With experience he/she can earn anywhere between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000.
Since media is an individualistic field, a lot of remuneration you earn is based
on your creativity and business acumen. Therefore based on his/her creativity and
other related skills he can earn anywhere above Rs.50, 000.
Course Detail & Eligibility
Fee Structure :
The fee structure for Mass Communication ranges from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 45,000.
Duration :
A mass communication course is generally for 2 years. Diploma and certificate courses
are of 6 months to 1 year.
Syllabus :
Introduction to media, history and evolution of television, T.V. Journalism, Economic
problems of the media, Mass Communication research, photographic communication,
T.V Production etc.
Academics
General Eligibility :
Media and entertainment Industry promises unparalleled prospects. It is not only
an exciting field but also have good employment and financial prospects. Even as
technical and financial resources are growing enormously, a huge shortfall of trained
personnel is projected in the media world. Mass Communication have to meet these
market requirements and new age communication requirements. Mass Communication generally
offers graduation and Post graduation courses. Besides there are also distance learning
programmes. A candidate who wants to appear for Mass Communication has to be 12th
pass. In order to be eligible for course the candidate has to appear for the common
entrance test (CET).
Premiere Institute Eligibility :
Ajmera Institute Of Media Studies (A.I.M.S.) offers 2 years course in Masters in
Journalism and Mass Communication. The admission is through common entrance test.
Institute Watchlist
- A.J.K. Mass Communication Research Centre, New Delhi ( Delhi).
- Acharya Nagarjuna University , Guntur( Andhra Pradesh).
- Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal( Madhya Pradesh ).
- Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, Santacruz (E)(Maharashtra).
- K.C. College of Management Studies, Mumbai( Maharashtra).
- Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur (Maharashtra).
- IIMC, New Delhi
- Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai
- Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, Pune
- Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad
