New Media Stream

Digantik, the weekly student e-zine of ACJ

The emergence of online digital journalism marks a fundamental shift in the media environment. Indeed, it has emerged as the “fourth form of journalism”. The consumer, no longer constrained by geographic or cultural boundaries, is actively involved in shaping the media. The New Media specialisation trains students to be journalists in the technology-driven, challenging and fast-paced world of online communication.

The learning is specifically in the context of the new media environment in India and South Asia. Students will gain firsthand knowledge of the different aspects of the Internet including the Web, newsgroups, wi-fi, and communities. The course is designed to gear students to look at the Internet as a tool for reporting and research as well as a medium to publish. Students will also examine the impact of new media on traditional media. Beginning with learning to critically view web sites and content from the point of view of effective design, communication and quality of information, students go on to specialised training in formatting content for the multi-media environment. They acquire writing skills specifically attuned to the requirements of the web; develop the ability to combine graphics, text, video, and sound to deliver a message effectively; and learn to encourage audience participation through layered interactivity.

At all times, the emphasis is on journalism — its content, form, techniques, impact, and potential — in the new media. New Media students learn web authoring and design skills and gain familiarity in using advanced multimedia software to design and produce content for the weekly e-zine of the ACJ, www.digantik.com. They plan and produce special editions and investigative reports and blogs for the site with an emphasis on value-added communication, research, and interactivity. Students have use of digital video and photo cameras, audio recorders, as well as the latest Web and multimedia editing software.

Complementing the practical training, the new media stream includes theoretical modules on new media theory, cyber law and communication in the digital era, the digital divide in terms of lack of access and language barriers, ethical issues confronting online journalists, and the pay-for-content versus advertisement debate.