In the present scenario, if we carefully evaluate our problems, we will find the common reason behind it is the lack of proper communication. Communication is perhaps an important and integral part of human life that we largely overlook. Communication can be in any form, viz. oral, written, and also through gesture.
Similarly, communication can be with a single person or with a group of individuals. Throughout the history of human existence communication has changed and developed itself. Today, communication is not just restricted to exchange of business or generally ideas but also has shaped into a career. A career in media is considered to be lucrative and challenging in the current global scenario.
Many course programs are offered by institutes across the globe that imparts the requisite knowledge in media studies. Most of the programs are designed according to the demands of the industry. The programs in media studies are offered at undergraduate and graduate level. An individual also has the scope of doing research work in this field.
Being a dynamic field it is always on the path of evolution. At no point of time one can term the industry as developed. With every change in society the functioning of the media always changes. Further, the media functions are largely influenced by the government. We often see in countries where there is dictatorship the role of media is limited and at times restricted. Nevertheless, in a free society media has a larger role to play.
Media study is not restricted to understanding the operations and the medium of communication used, it is also understanding the nature of communication that involves what to communicate, how to communicate and taking feedback. Feedback is essential in every communication. A feedback ensures that the message has been properly received. If no feedback is received after communication it can mean that the communication was not sent through proper medium or the recipient was not interested in the communication.
A course program in media studies teaches an individual about all the things that lead up to a healthy communication irrespective of society, gender, or religious belief. These programs are essential to understand the dynamic role of media in our society and how this can be used for the positive development of the society.
Media includes both electronic and print medium. In the last couple of decades we have witnessed a phenomenal growth in the electronic media. Electronic media has been able to bridge the time gap and provide news at real time. This change has added a value to the role of media in our society. Further, the factors like distance and geographical boundaries have been removed as the news is shared through satellite.
All these development has increased the value of media studies. Today, the programs offered in media include requisite training in handling and breaking news in electronic media. Be it collecting news or editing news, an individual who is planning to make a career in media needs to know all the aspect of this profession to be an employable resource.
Similarly, print media has undergone a sea change. Today, the number of newspaper is more than what was a decade back. Further, tabloid has been able to penetrate the society in a big way. Newspaper, tabloid, magazine and newsletter are some of the major offerings of print media. All these forms have their own reporting style. Those into this profession needs to aware of the style of writing used in their work place. The style may vary from one media house to the other but the basic foundation is the same for all this formats. Feature, news article and editorial are some of the major formats of presenting the news and each has its tone. A feature may include individual views or opinions while a general news article is all about presenting the set of data as it is without influencing it with individual opinions or views.
Media studies because of these reasons forms an essential factor. The course helps one develop the knowledge to understand the news and present it in the most desirable way. It teaches an individual to analyze and consider opinion of the all stakeholders without being bias to anyone. For those who want to make a career in media a course program in media studies is essential as it gives the knowledge and foundation to explore, evolve, and empower the society and individual with news, views and opinions for its betterment.