A two-week ITEC-training program for 26 journalists and media professionals from Guyana, Tanzania, Suriname, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which has been sponsored by the ITEC Division of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and conducted by Dr MCR HRD Institute of Telangana, came to an end on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shashank Goel, Director General, Dr MCR HRD Institute and Special Chief Secretary to Government of Telangana, called upon the media professionals to not only embrace technology but also to understand its ethical implications in order to ensure that journalism’s core values remain intact. “The future of Journalism belongs to those who can seamlessly integrate technology while upholding the highest standards of core values of Journalism, that is, truth, fairness, impartiality, and ethics”, he pointed out.
“In this rapidly evolving media landscape, the role of media is more critical than ever. It is, therefore, of pertinent importance for the Media Professionals to keep their skills sets current and up-to-date by adopting a proactive approach to continuous learning and professional development”, Dr. Shashank Goel, IAS highlighted.
“I am confident that the knowledge and skills you have acquired during this program will enable you to make a positive impact in your respective countries. Remember that your role is not merely to inform and educate but also to inspire and empower your audiences,” Goel advised the media professionals.
Further, he said that media professionals, from across the world, are the watchdogs, the voice of the voiceless, and the bridge between governments and the people and, therefore, hold a unique and powerful position in society.
Technology, driven by artificial intelligence, has revolutionized media in multifaceted ways, and thereby playing a crucial role in streamlining news production, data-driven reporting, and faster content generation. He added that social media has also transformed news dissemination, audience engagement, and grassroots reporting.
The training program will further strengthen the capabilities of the media and will also enrich the centuries-old bilateral relations of India with Guyana, Tanzania, Suriname, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, he said.
Dr Madhavi Ravulapati, Course Director, Professor (i/c) & Head, CLP, said that a unique fusion of class room sessions and multiple visits to a number of eminent media houses and also to places of historical and cultural importance empowered the media professionals to understand issues relating to media in their true and total frame of reference.
