HYDERABAD, FEBRUARY 26, 2024: Dr MCR HRD Institute, Government of Telangana is conducting a “Training Programme on Journalism & Public Relations, from February 26th to March 9th, 2024, for the Media Professionals from South Africa”.
The training programme, which has been sponsored by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, under Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Progamme, involves a 3-day field visit to Delhi and Agra.
Dr Shashank Goel, IAS, DG of the Institute & Spl Chief Secretary to Government of Telangana, who was the Chief Guest at the Inaugural Function, welcomed the media professionals from South Africa and congratulated them for their commitment to staying abreast of dynamic changes shaping the field of journalism and public relations.
He stated that “we find ourselves amidst a profound transformation in the world of media and communication. It is not just a shift; it is a revolution. A media convergence driven by new tools and techniques that are reshaping how we create, share, and consume information. And with the increasing use of social media, it also means, how we react to the information that we consume”.
He said that, the rise of social media has fundamentally changed the way people access news and engage with current events. Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram have become the go-to sources for information. Although newspapers are still as substantial and credible, social media has the superpower of speed, he stated.
Anyone with a mobile phone and internet has the power to create content. The content travels faster than it does on TV and print mediums. But it may not necessarily be right. It may be half-baked, an act of mischief against the government or an individual. Fake news and misinformation spread fast and it poses a significant challenge, he informed.
Similarly, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the news industry, from content creation to audience engagement. Artificial Intelligence-driven algorithms are shaping what we see and when we see it, making information more personalized and accessible. This enables us to better understand public sentiment and tailor our messaging accordingly.
He further expressed that in this rapidly evolving landscape, the role of media and public relations officers is more critical than ever. Media professionals are not just messengers; they are facilitators of unbiased and public-interest dialogue. They are nothing less than guardians of truth and integrity, and it is their responsibility to act so. Effective communication is not just messaging, but it is all about building bridges, fostering understanding and driving positive change.
He expressed the view that while journalists must harness the power of all available mediums including social media to connect with citizens, at the same time they need to explore means to make news and communication as truthful and accurate as possible and ensure that the public or the government institutions are not on the wrong side of this double-edged sword. They need to up skill, update their knowledge and adapt to the changing trends.
He wished all the participants a productive and enriching experience during this training program and expressed hope that they will emerge inspired, informed and equipped to navigate the complexities of modern journalism & public relations, with confidence and purpose.
Dr Shashank Goel released the Course Manual. Dr Madhavi Ravulapati, Course Director, spoke about the salient features of the training programme. Professor Mohammed Abbas Ali, senior Academic Advisor, welcomed the gathering.
