Tamil Nadu Announces Chennai Institute of Journalism, PG Diploma Course to be Launched in 2025

The government of Tamil Nadu formally opened the Chennai Institute of Journalism (CIJ) in an attempt to consolidate media education and train generations of future journalists from the state and the nation as a whole. Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism (PGDJ) classes will begin from the 2025–26 academic year.

The institute, to be established under Section 8(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, will be a non-profit one. It was approved administratively with a budgetary outlay of ₹7.75 crore and its establishment was announced for the first time in April by Information and Publicity Minister MP Saminathan at the state Assembly session.

Emphasizing the government's dedication to media literacy and professional education, Minister Saminathan had announced that the institute would be a center of excellence in training journalists, research, and development, offering quality and affordable education to aspiring media practitioners with varied backgrounds.

Seasoned media professionals will run the institute. N Ravi, Director, Kasturi and Sons Ltd and ex Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, has been named as chairperson of the board of governors. AS Panneerselvan, ex Readers' Editor of The Hindu, will be appointed the Director General.

As much as having a vision to be the benchmark in journalism education, CIJ has to provide a study programme that combines traditional journalism principles with contemporary digital media qualifications.

CIJ's timing is timely, considering journalism education in India is currently under the limelight for requiring a make-over and improved industry-academia connect. The state government initiative is being seen as an attempt at re-fashioning media education with stable leadership and popular support