Mass Communication- Courses and Careers

“What do you mean by mass communication? Is that even a real thing? How do you make a career out of this course? You should rather be a doctor, or a lawyer or apply for government jobs! There is a good deal of professions all around”.

This is what a conversation about career options in mass media would sound like.

Mass communication is about spreading information, ideas, opinions, knowledge, and messages to many people at once. The term ‘large’ refers to the scale of an entire town, city, state, nation or the globe as a whole. It involves transferring knowledge to a large and diverse audience. And this is usually done through a variety of channels. The field also deals with finding suitable and well-ordered channels which reduce barriers and increase the reach and quality of the message.

Today it is one of the most powerful professions in the world. This means that it offers a huge demand for jobs. Yet, it remains hidden in the catalogue of preferred careers. Hence, it holds unexplored possibilities for all interested folks.

Read along to discover the unexplored world of mass communication jobs!

What are the 4 types of Mass Communication?

Print Media

From your morning newspaper to the weekly journal, everything has a touch of print media in it. It is the earliest form of mass media. Yet, print media holds its importance to date. It never ceases to impact common people and continues to be a part of their daily routine. It includes-

Newspapers

• Magazines.
• Books.
• Novels.
• Journals.
• Posters
• Product Packaging

Outdoor Media

All forms of advertising used to spread awareness of a concept or a product are referred to as outdoor media. All big and small media products from ads on hoardings to billboards to posters on buses and benches are all outlets of outdoor mass media communication. They help brands and ideas in engaging with all kinds of people, both locals and tourists.

Media Broadcasting

It deals with media used to broadcast news, entertainment shows, and mass advertisements. It refers to sending news and information via signals from the source to the audience. Broadcast media has a wonderful timely nature. It involves instant reporting of events around the world, routine telecast of entertainment shows and undisturbed supply of audio and video material available on the internet

The simplest examples of broadcast media are-

Television

• Radio.
• Audio podcasts.
• Video content.
• Live telecasts.

Digital Media

Information created, shared, and viewed digitally via an electronic device is referred to as digital media. It is a place where the masses meet media with just one click. Since it deals with connecting people it cannot lag. Digital media has gained great popularity being the latest form of mass media.

They include-

Blogs

• Vlogs.
• Podcasts.
• Movies.
• Sports.
• Web series.
• Social media sites.
• E-books.
• E-newspapers.
• Online ads.
• Websites.

Skills Required for Mass Communication Degree

• Speaking skills.
• Writing skills.
• Reporting skills.
• Problem-solving.
• Creative thinking.
• Research thinking.

Bachelor Programs in Mass Communication

1. Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)

The BJMC program offers an undergraduate degree in journalism and media. It consists of 6 semesters or three years of coursework. This helps students to broadcast news and stats using mass means of communication.

The course offers both public and private sector jobs of-

• Editor.
• Media relation officer.
• Journalist.
• Reporter.
• Proofreader.
• Translator.
• Radio Jockey.
• Video Jockey.
• Research Analyst and various more.

Pre-requisite for admission:

• At least 50% in 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.
• Some colleges offer admissions based on merit while others on entrance exams.

2. Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC)

BMC is an undergraduate course of 3 years. The course covers concepts related to-

• Mass media
• Advertising
• Strategic transmission of news and data using mass media

It offers a variety of career opportunities in-

• Advertising
• Public Relations
• Television Telecast
• Radio
• Photography
• Journalism
• Screenwriting

Pre-requisite for admission:

• At least 50% in 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.
• Admissions are based on merit in some colleges or entrance examinations.

Master of Mass Communication is an excellent course to pursue after this degree.

3. Bachelor of Journalism (BJ)

A Bachelor of Journalism is an undergraduate mass media course in Journalism. The course teaches about aspects of the media industry concerned with handling information.

Bachelor of Journalism graduates can join various mass reporting-related fields. Job opportunities include working with-

• TV news channels.
• Newspapers.
• Radio stations.
• Media houses.
• Media schools.

Pre-requisite for admission:

• After 12th or equivalent exams.
• Entrance exam results decide she admits.
• They test knowledge of current affairs, general knowledge, English and mass media.

4. BA in Journalism & Mass Communication

B.A.-J.M.C. is a three-year undergraduate program. The course provides students with technical skills and social understanding to deal with honest and fair handling of news and stats. It empowers them to write about issues involving-

• Business.
• History and culture.
• Budget.
• Government Policies.
• Politics.
• Entertainment.
• Sports.

It also trains them to use different mass transmission methods such as TV, radio, and web-based social networks to spread this info to the general public.

After completing this degree they can grab job opportunities in the field of-

• Television.
• Radio.
• Print Media.
• Social Media.
• Film Studies.
• Public Relation.
• Teaching.

Pre-requisite for admission:

• Completed their 10+2 education in any discipline from a recognised board.
• Admissions are merit-based for some colleges and entrance based for others.

5. BSc in Journalism & Mass Communication

B.Sc J.M.C. is a 3-year undergraduate course. It provides the students with basic journalistic skills. The course exposes them to the recent developments in media issues and research. Students can start a full-fledged career in journalism or begin with freelancing.

This builds the foundation of various technologies involved in mass media like-

• Computer applications.
• Respective software and hardware in-
  • Print.
  • Radio.
  • Television.
  • Internet.

Pre-requisite for admission:

• Completed their 10+2 education in any discipline from a recognised board.
• Admissions are merit-based for some colleges and entrance based for others.

Masters in Mass Communication Programs

1. Master of Mass Communication (MMC)

MMC is a postgraduate course in the field of mass media offered across India. The system is for two years. It offers an understanding of how media governs society. It also refines the skills necessary for learning about different mass media channels and their correct use to spread awareness to the masses.

The course also provides exposure to different mass communication jobs. Opportunities available are-

• Newspaper editors.
• Television producers.
• Advertising creative heads.
• Public relations officers.
• Event managers.
• Radio jockeys.
• Content writers.
• Web producers.
• Teachers.

Pre-requisite for admission:

• Bachelor’s degree in any subject and stream.
• Based on entrance exams conducted by the respective colleges.
• Sometimes personal interviews follow the exams.

2. Master of Arts in Mass Communication (MA)

M.A. in M.C. is a postgraduate mass communication course. Divided into 4 semesters, the course is for 2 years. The subjects included in this course are-

• Interactive research.
• Development of media.
• Interactive skills.
• Media law and ethics and others.

Job opportunities after the course, to mention a few, are-

• Screenwriters.
• Journalists.
• Fashion photographers.
• Public relation officer.
• Content writer.

Pre-requisite for admission:

• Bachelor’s degree in any subject and stream.
• Based on entrance exams conducted by the respective colleges.
• Sometimes personal interviews follow the exams.

3. Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication (MA)

M.A. J.M.C. is a 2-year programme. It offers both technical and analytical training to students.

Pre-requisite for admission:

• Bachelor’s degree in any subject and stream.
• Based on entrance exams conducted by the respective colleges.
• Sometimes exams are followed by personal interviews and group discussions.

Postgraduates are hired for positions like-

• Art Director.
• Cartoonist.
• Feature Writer.
• Production Worker.
• Columnist.
• Proof Reader.
• Radio Jockey and many more.

Jobs After Mass Communication

1. News Media Director

News Media Directors are in charge of the successful run of ad campaigns. They are responsible for the proper execution of all stages of the campaign, as they hold a senior management position. And often work with a large team in an office setting with an average salary of INR 20.0 Lakhs per annum.

Preferred candidates must have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in-

• Business Administration.
• Marketing.
• Advertising.
• Any other field related to mass media and marketing experience.

2. Journalist

Professionals who work with all forms of news, data, facts, and statistics in popular culture are known as Journalists. They are experts at gathering, processing, and reporting news and information to the general public.

Their job profile demands that they conduct interviews, and find good and reliable news sources. They then frame a complete and honest story to narrate through mass media. In India, the average annual salary begins at INR 4.0 Lakhs.

These trained individuals can work for:

• News channels,
• Media houses,
• Newspapers,
• Journals, and
• Freelancers bring forth the stories of sports, politics, economics and lifestyle.

3. Web Content Specialist

They are professionals who create and manage content for the web. This makes them different from other writers who write for newspapers or blogs. Digital pages need attractive content that holds the attention of the reader quickly. They have to cater to their questions creatively and honestly.

Web Content Specialists are often linked with creating content that promotes a brand. Their campaign also involves making social media posts. Such posts often promote the brand’s website and its content. Their annual salaries range between INR 2.6 Lakhs to INR 11.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of INR 4.5 Lakhs.

4. Public Relations Director

A Public Relations Director heads the Public Relations Team. They work to achieve maximum brand awareness among the masses. These professionals support positive brand recognition and create healthy relationships with partners and collaborators.

Public Relations Director works with the marketing team to ensure brand consistency in all campaigns. They also organise events for engaging better with the audience. Along with tracking their responses to the company and its policies. PR Directors can expect an average annual salary of INR 22.5 Lakhs in India.

5. Marketing Director

Marketing Directors are marketing professionals who supervise the marketing results of a firm. They review the marketing strategies for the year. Their decisions will lead to a better market position for the company. They also measure quicker achievement of its goals and a higher success rate.

The director works with a marketing team on all technical aspects. They create well-developed plans and strategies for the proper implementation of the campaigns. Their average annual income is INR 31.7 Lakhs.

6. Marketing Specialist

Marketing specialists manage advertising campaigns, pricing and stats of their target audience. They work with the marketing teams to hype people’s interest in the company’s offers. These specialists also achieve higher success rates by increasing public engagement.

Their primary duty includes researching competitors. This helps them keep track of their new policies and impacts on their brand. They work on an annual income that ranges between INR 0.3 Lakhs to INR 16.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of INR 6.0 Lakhs.

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