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Jun 24, 2022

Media Research Cell: A platform facilitating student learning and development

Media Research Cell, Department of Journalism, was established under the guidance of Dr Vartika Nanda in July 2021. It is the first peer-based research cell in the college enabling students to gain essential industry-required experience while also aiding the activities of the department with research and related support. 

The cell aims to foster among students the art of media research and associated skills to make them future-ready as a professional. Members of the cell have so far obtained specific impetus in newsletter-making, blog-making, and academic research and presentation. The contribution of the students is vital to the overall growth and development of the Department of Journalism. 

The cell has undertaken several initiatives:

1. A survey was conducted between the age group of 18–25 living in Delhi-NCR to understand the impact of the media during the second wave of COVID-19.

2. Two original newsletters have been published by the cell. "The Interview Journal" was released in August 2021. The theme focused on importance of interviews, the skills required for them and the latest developments in the same. "A World Without Journalism" was a bi-monthly newsletter released for the months of September and October 2021, it threw light on the challenges faced by the media industry. This edition also included movie reviews, crosswords related to the theme and latest media developments. 

3. In November 2021, Media Research Cell invited entries from scholars and authors engaged in journalistic writings for review. This initiative introduced a new empire and a new scope of learning for the students dedicated to exploration in the field of journalism. The media writers were offered an opportunity to explore various perspectives of the budding journalists of the cell and the faculty members of the department. This initiative also offered a platform for students to showcase their talent and receive critical feedback while being involved in research whereby they gained access to study materials and learnt to appreciate the field of media. It encouraged students to inculcate the habit of reading, writing and analysis and facilitated a dynamic relationship between students and the faculty who were involved in the process of reviewing and enriching themselves with relevant skills and knowledge.

4. In order to gain insights on reviewing, reading and academic knowledge of the media industry, books and scholarly materials were invited from authors in the industry. The initiative also helped in creating a plethora of reading material for reference. Media Research Cell has actively presented student members with opportunities not only academically but also creatively.

Students are constantly encouraged to engage themselves in the making of graphics, video, presentations, blogs posts, and articles. By offering such diverse activities, each person has been given a platform to tap into their potential in every aspect.

The members of the cell have often expressed that being a part of the cell has been a liberating and enriching experience for them. The cell has also acquainted them with their skills, strengths and weaknesses. They believe that they have undergone a certain transformation over the past year in terms of innovation, intellect, teamwork and professionalism. They are grateful to the department for the opportunity and look forward to making the best use of these skills in the professional arena.

Compiled and Edited by:

Abhishri Agarwal, Ananya Nair & Disha Kumar
Batch of 2024
B.A. (Hons.) Journalism
Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi

2 comments:

Prisha Kapoor said...

"A day without journalism " a topic itself is a sensation. A newsletter on such an innovative topic by media educator Dr. Vartika Nanda is a research by journalism students. Students are blessed to be groomed under her guidance.

Stuti Garg said...

Even the prospect of being a part of this initiative is so exciting for a student like me. It is amazing to see individuals honing their raw talent into polished skills under the able guidance of Dr. Vartika Nanda. My peers and I hope that we will be worthy of carrying this legacy forward.