CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A workshop on the theme “Media Workshop for Teachers” was organized at the Makhanpuram campus of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (MCU). The two-day workshop, held in the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium, was presided over by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, K.G. Suresh. While chairing the inaugural session on the first day, Vice-Chancellor Suresh stated that social media and digital media have brought about revolutionary changes today. However, there is no regulation in place for these platforms.
Rejecting the Western concept of citizen journalism, he explained that while one can be a citizen communicator, one cannot be a citizen journalist. Just as certain qualifications and degrees are necessary to become a doctor or lawyer, certain standards are also essential for journalism. Prof. Suresh pointed out the increasing prevalence of negative narratives, which should be countered with positive ones. He clarified the difference between misinformation and disinformation, stating that forwarding information out of ignorance is misinformation, whereas intentionally spreading false information is disinformation. He emphasized that, given the challenges and opportunities before us, it is crucial to make proper use of technology.
Subject expert Deepak Sharma discussed the concepts of narrative and storytelling, explaining that storytelling is about telling a story, while a narrative is something that is constructed. He expressed concern over the decline in newspaper reading among students. In the workshop, the university’s Rajbhasha Officer and Producer, Ramdeen Tyagi, guided the teachers in a technical session focused on “Tools and Techniques for Media Engagement: An Overview of Various Media Platforms.” He stressed the need for young people to understand and use social media tools in a way that benefits the nation. Adjunct Professor Girish Upadhyay and Producer Manoj Patel conducted a session on “Hands-on Practice with Media Tools.”