New Delhi, January 28: The Centre for Media and Mass Communication Studies at Jamia Hamdard University has launched a new series, “Media Matters,” which aims to create a platform for critical examination and dialogue on the media industry and its impact on society and democracy. The initiative was conceptualized by Professor Farhat Basir Khan, who dedicated it to Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the Founder-Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard. The inaugural event of the series was held and was flagged off by the keynote speaker, Professor Sanjay Dwivedi, the Director General of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Dr.) M Afshar Alam, Prof. Reshma Nasreen, Director of the Centre and Prof. Farhat Basir Khan. The event was richly attended by the students, faculty and experts.

According to Professor Farhat Basir Khan, the series will provide a space for examination and dialogue on the media industry and its impact on society and democracy. It is important not only for students and professionals in the field of mass communication and journalism but for everyone interested in understanding the role of the media in our society. The series will look at how the media industry has changed and grown over time, including its many parts, such as journalism, advertising, broadcasting, film, and radio.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, said on the occasion, “This initiative will provide a platform for critical examination of the media’s role in democracy and the potential for media literacy to empower citizens to engage with media in a more informed and discerning way. Additionally, it will help to promote transparency and ethical standards within the media industry, ultimately strengthening the democratic process and promoting a more informed and engaged citizenry.

The keynote speaker, Professor Sanjay Dwivedi, emphasized the transition from traditional media to digital media and the importance of vernacular languages in digital media. He concluded his lecture by saying that India should take a bigger slice of the pie in the world media and that this series gives people a chance to talk with thought leaders and experts in journalism and mass communication. It is open to all and promises to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the media’s role in shaping our world.

Prof. Reshma Nasreen, Director of the Centre, thanked the Vice- Chancellor for formally inaugurating the initiative and said, “This initiative is a reflection of the values and commitment of Jamia Hamdard University to promoting social responsibility and civic engagement.”
According to the curator of the series, “The initiative will be an important step towards the university’s goal of creating a more informed and involved citizenry and promoting transparency and ethical standards in the media industry.”