Media means instant recognition. People would recognise you by your name, voice or face once they see you in person. You are no less than an actor or a cricketer who gets instant recognition.
Once upon a time people used to dream of joining the AIR as it was considered a prestige or working for The Times of India or Indian Express or Hindu. Today with economic reforms, the industry has opened up and there are many private players and the competition too has become tough. Even in the regional languages there is no dearth of opportunities.
What is the work of the media industry, one may wonder. Its primary work is to provide information and generate public opinion. The industry began with the mass distribution of newspapers and magazines. Today, it has grown and takes along other media forms along with it like audio visuals -films and videos, internet that includes blogs, forums, music, news, publishing of books.
According to a survey conducted by a private player, by 2012 the Indian media industry would grow to $ 18 billion. Currently it stands to $ 10 billion. Survey quotes that the television sector has a 42 per cent share, while the print has 30 per cent.
If one is joining a newspaper, one starts as a reporter or as a copy editor at the desk. If one is joining the TV channels, then the options are an anchor, news reporter, VJ or as a RJ in a radio. Advertising also offers lucrative job opportunities. One can work in media planning department, client-servicing personnel, or in a creative team. There is no dearth of jobs for the right candidate.
Some of the organizations that one would like to work are the Times Group which owns Economic Times, The Times of India, Times Now, Indiatimes, Femina, Filmfare, Planet M, and many other brands like, NDTV, CNN-IBN, Adlabs, Zeetelefilms, UTV, Nimbus Communications, Sahara Group, Mukta Arts, Shrinagar Group, News Corporation, Sony, Walt Disney, Sun Network, BMG, Universal, The Indian Express, Manorama etc.
Specialised training is required for different options in the media. If one wants to take editing, or reporting, it requires specific training. Usually institutions prefer a degree in journalism or mass communication. There are also post-graduate diploma and short-term media courses.
Remuneration
The earnings depend on the organisation and policies of the group. An entrant can expect a salary anywhere between Rs. 10, 000 – Rs. 15, 000 per month. The salary and perks increase with experience.
Institutes Offering Courses:
* Zee Institute of Media Arts (Mumbai)
* Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media (Bangalore)
* Dayawanti Academy of Media Centre (DAMC Institute) (New Delhi)
* Jamia Milia Islamia (New Delhi)
* Xavier Institute of Communications, (Maharashtra)
* Amity School of Communication, Noida (Uttar Pradesh)
* Asian College of Journalism (A.C.J.), Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
* Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan