JU Media Students Oriented Towards Objective and Balanced Political Reporting

Jammu, March 16: The Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Jammu, organized a special interaction 'Mastering Political Reporting Skills', wherein renowned journalist, Sh Raj Kishor was keynote speaker.

The session aimed to familiarize the media students with the nuances of political reporting, its practical significance, and the contemporary challenges associated with it.

The interaction was organized in alignment with the visionary initiative of Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai, which emphasizes nurturing a strong professional outlook, ethical commitment in journalism, and the holistic development of students. The initiative sought to prepare students to become responsible and credible custodians of journalism in challenging times.

On the occasion, Prof. Garima Gupta highlighted the importance of political reporting and urged media students to remain socially aware and committed to responsible journalism. She noted that objective and fact-based reporting helps shape media students into effective storytellers who safeguard truth and counter the spread of fake news, particularly in Political reporting.

The keynote speaker for the session encouraged students to develop a deeper understanding of contemporary issues and to embrace journalism as a powerful instrument for cultural preservation and national unity.

“Political reporting is the oxygen of democracy. It goes beyond merely covering news; it plays a vital role in keeping those in power accountable and the public well informed,” he said.

During his address, Sh. Raj Kishore also discussed the current state of journalism and the challenges faced by journalists. He spoke about the pressures associated with political reporting, the rapid spread of misinformation and propaganda in the digital age, and the importance of maintaining credibility and ethical standards in news writing.

He advised students to remain conscious of their social responsibilities while reporting on sensitive issues and to uphold the fundamental ethical principles of journalism.

Sharing his extensive experience and understanding of the political beat, he encouraged students to cultivate critical thinking and develop a deeper research-oriented approach so that they can produce journalism that aligns with professional values while strengthening national interest and public trust.

The programme also featured an engaging question-and-answer session where students discussed career prospects in the media industry, academic growth, and the challenges faced by young journalists in an increasingly competitive media landscape.

The interaction highlighted the department’s continuing commitment to connecting students with experienced academicians and media practitioners, thereby bridging institutional learning with the realities of professional journalism.

At the end of the session, Prof. Dushyant Kumar Rai presented the formal vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to Sh. Raj Kishore for sharing his valuable experiences and insights, which will help media students better understand career choices and prepare for the demands of the media industry.

Other faculty members present during the workshop included Dr. Pardeep Singh Bali, Dr. Ramiyan Bhardwaj, Dr. Ravia Gupta, and Dr. Kumerjit Chajgotra.