Central University of Punjab hosts Special Lecture by Ramesh Vinayak on ‘New Media Landscapes: Challenges and Opportunities’

Bathinda, September 3, 2024: The Department of Mass Communication and Media Studies (Dept. of MCMS), Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab), organised a special lecture titled "New Media Landscapes: Challenges and Opportunities." 
The session featured Ramesh Vinayak, Executive Editor of Hindustan Times at Chandigarh, who has over 35 years of experience in journalism, specialising in North Indian territories and the Punjabi diaspora.

At the beginning of the lecture, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari welcomed Ramesh Vinayak and expressed gratitude for accepting the invitation to visit the CU Punjab campus and engage with the students.

In his insightful lecture, Vinayak discussed on the transformation of the media landscape, highlighting the role of digital platforms, mobile devices, and social media in revolutionizing the industry. He emphasised how these technologies have intensified competition for audience attention. Vinayak recalled the 1980s era when journalists relied on teleprinters and fax machines for communication, contrasting it with today’s ability to report live from war zones using satellite phones.

Vinayak pointed out that while new media has democratised access to information, mainly via smartphones and social networks, it has also opened the floodgates to misinformation, disinformation, and fake news. He acknowledged that traditional media still holds credibility but faces declining relevance. However, by embracing digital convergence, traditional outlets have the opportunity to reinvent themselves and maintain their place in the media landscape.

Discussing the credibility challenges faced by digital-born news organisations in the race to break news first, Vinayak emphasised that the core principles of journalism—trustworthiness, credibility, fact-checking, integrity, persistence, and discipline—remain timeless. He also shared valuable insights from his tenure at The Tribune, India Today, and Hindustan Times, stressing that curiosity is the driving force behind good journalism.

As a North India expert, Vinayak also touched on the unique media challenges in North India, including the region’s political and social dynamics. He discussed the evolving role of journalists in the fast-changing digital media landscape and urged the students of Journalism and Media Studies to adapt to the shifting landscapes while upholding essential journalistic values like accuracy, fairness, and accountability.

Registrar Dr. Vijay Sharma acknowledged the inspiration Vinayak imparted to the next generation of media professionals, guiding them to navigate the complexities of new media while upholding journalistic integrity.

The session began with a warm welcome by Dr. Rubal Kanozia, HoD, Department of MCMS, who expressed pride in having a stalwart of journalism interact with CU Punjab’s students. Dr. Bhavnath Pandey, Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies, concluded the event with a formal vote of thanks. 

On this occasion, MCMS faculty members, including Dr. Kinshuk Pathak, Associate Professor, Dr. Paramveer Singh, Assistant Professor, Dr. Chhavi Garg, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Mahesh Meena, Assistant Professor, were present. 
The program was attended by faculty, research scholars, and students from various departments.