BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CLASSROOM AND NEWSROOM: A STUDY ON MEDIA EDUCATORS IN HARYANA, INDIA

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to understand the strength, skills, and specialisation of the media educators working in different universities and colleges in Haryana. 60 media educators from 32 media institutions in the state were surveyed, and the heads of the departments of the different universities were interviewed. A study found that media education and educators are both in their 40th year in the state. Half of the media educators are from rural Haryana, and they are well qualified as per the UGC norms. 60% of media educators also have industry experience, and they have the skills and competence to teach and train the next generation of journalists in the state. Media educators are well versed in writing and reporting skills, but they are lacking in audio-video editing, production, and technological skills. A study suggests media educators need to do more hard work to be a bridge between the classroom and news rooms. Change in journalism education and industry is possible only through media education. Class rooms and media educators can be the change agents for bridging the gap between the newsroom and classrooms. To be the change, media educators need to be well trained, equipped, educated, and skilled in the new emerging areas of the journalism industry.