By IANS,
New Delhi : The government Thursday said it will upgrade the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) here as an International Media University.
Information and Broadcasting Minister P.R. Dasmunsi told the convocation address at IIMC that the government had taken the necessary approval from the Planning Commission and other agencies to upgrade IIMC.
“The proposal for this has been approved and the government has begun working on upgrading the IIMC,” said Dasmunsi. Once upgraded, the institute will further specialise in media education and training, he added.
This, he said, would also fulfil the growing demand of the media industry and provide more trained and qualified professionals.
A total of 127 students were conferred post-graduate diploma courses in Advertising and Public Relations, English journalism, radio and TV journalism and Development Journalism. The minister also presented awards in various categories.
Dasmunsi said the Indian media industry was growing at a faster pace than the economy. “Media is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy,” he said.
He cited an industry report to state that the Indian media and entertainment industry recorded a growth of 19 percent in the last four years.
The report also predicts that the industry is estimated to grow at an annual growth rate of 18 percent in the next five years.
He said the IIMC needed to enhance its capacity and start specialised courses and training programmes to meet the requirement of the industry.
“I strongly believe in free media but freedom demands responsibility. Overall, I appreciate the role of the Indian media in nation building and strengthening the roots of democracy in the country.
“But unfortunately, the growing competition among media companies, if I may say so, unhealthy competition is threatening all journalistic norms and values,” said Dasmunsi.
He said this was a matter of concern. His ministry had received many complaints from people and other concerned citizen groups, he said.
“There are numerous instances of media excesses and media trials, fake sting operations, criminal trespassing of privacy, glamourising criminals and mafia dons and promoting hatred amongst communities and inflaming raw emotions. This is a very dangerous trend not only for the media but for democracy,” said the minister.