Media skills and values are important: VC

Mangaluru: Media skills are essential, but values are equally important, said Niranjan Vanalli, vice-chancellor of Bangalore North University, while inaugurating the three-day national workshop on ‘Kannada Media Field—Opportunities and Skills' at Mangalore University on Wednesday.

Vanalli emphasised that the media field offers numerous opportunities today, but success requires developing skills such as language proficiency, writing style, and the ability to communicate effectively. He added that while skills are essential, values and social responsibility are equally important for earning respect in the field. "Language and writing are the two essential tools for media aspirants. Language is our strength, and words are our weapons. Those who do not understand the subtleties of writing and perception can never succeed in the media field," he said.

He also highlighted that the media field has expanded beyond traditional journalism, offering opportunities in event management, advertising, public relations, and more. However, he noted that while the media industry is driven by money, journalists often do not receive fair compensation. "The media industry will only attract talented young people if it offers respectable remuneration," he said.

K Raju Mogaveera, registrar of Mangalore University, spoke about the role of journalists as contemporary historians, emphasising the importance of truth, clarity, and social responsibility. PL Dharma, vice-chancellor of Mangalore University, presided over the function, stressing the importance of language proficiency and values in the media field.

The workshop featured technical sessions on various topics, including ‘Feature Writing: Language and Style' by Vanalli, ‘Writing Language and Sensitivity' by Narendra Rai Derla, and ‘Press Photography-Current Challenges' by Astro Mohan.

The three-day national workshop is organised by the SVP Kannada Adhyayana Sanstha of Mangalore University, sponsored by the Prime Minister's Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM USHA) scheme. The workshop aims to provide students with insights into the media field and equip them with the necessary skills to succeed.