Beyond the Classroom: Dr. Somanath Sahoo on Redefining Media Education through Innovation and Fieldwork

 Dr.Somanath Sahoo, Head, School of Journalism and Mass Communication AAFT University of Media and Arts, Raipur, has over 17 years of media academic   experience. He earlier worked with ETV Network, where he was entrusted with overall responsibility of news and handled almost 500 stories per week. He is the   supervisor of 4 PhD scholars and has guided more than 50 PG and UG research projects. Dr. Sahoo has authored 3 books and published various research   papers in journals of UGC Care and Scopus listed. He had also patents and copyright for media innovation. He oversees the quality assurance work at the   university level as IQAC Coordinator, and has strengthened the industry collaboration and students' training work. His emphasis is more on practical newsroom   learning, fact-based reporting and on digital media.

 Q. What is the difference between the teaching methodology in your institute and others?

 A. We expose students to newsroom level exposure starting with the 1st semester. They do actual reporting at field sites, produce content for campus media, and   engage in weekly newsroom simulation. A mentor model is followed. Each student gets hands on training in studio and editing lab. Our emphasis is on real   training, media ethics, and original content.

Q.How are you preparing your students to be industry-ready?

A. We align the training to the workflow of newsrooms and the digital media. Students write scripts, anchor bulletins, write documentaries, do desk work in social media and handle live assignments. Each student prepares a professional portfolio. Working journalists, editors and producers are invited for sessions throughout the semester. Internships are compulsory. The students are trained to meet real deadlines, face editorial pressures and field challenges.

Q. What quality do your students have that other college students lack?

A.Our students take to field work early. They understand how to verify news, cross give and crank out real media products, to name a few.

Q.Do you think the curriculum of the courses taught in your institute fits the requirements of the industry?

A.Each year, input given to reshape the programme, adapt curriculum according to suggestions of the students, faculty members and industry experts. The latest trend in media is given greater focus. Special seminars are also conducted by faculty members on contemporary issues. Interns are placed at various reputed publications and media centers. 

Q.Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? 

A.We encourage student led content platforms, media startups and independent creative projects. The university provides an advanced audio-visual production infrastructure, digital labs and media. Students experiment with new formats including podcasting, web series, and digital campaigns. We encourage innovation with workshops, incubator support and faculty support.

Note: The views expressed in this article are of AAFT University of Media and Arts and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.