Media Council News | Stay Updated with Edinbox

How including media literacy in school curricula can help students learn to 'read the world

I am a class teacher with more than two decades of experience and an intrinsic interest in media literacy. While having a recent class discussion of the movie Jai Bhim with some teachers, I mooted that it be taken up in class under media education. The reaction was muted.

Jai Bhim is a true story of a 1990s incident in which three members of a Scheduled Tribe (Irular community) were arrested and tortured in the police lock-up. One of them died in custody and his wife, with the assistance of a high court lawyer, fought for justice. The hero's character is drawn from Judge Chandru who, as an attorney, waged a war with law against the ruling elite and made sure that the downtrodden received justice.

Briefly, the film is a saga of caste bias, dehumanisation, social inequality, police terror, custodial torture, violation of human rights, legal struggle for justice, constitutional duties and rights, etc. Ethically, various issues have been shown by the movie.

Reading the world

This political-social movie is perhaps questioned how it would be linked to education and why students would study or talk about it in school? What is the purpose or role of education? It is to inform the students of what's happening in their own neighborhood, and in the outside world, in an attempt to give them an environment which would make them think, and compel them to make a positive contribution to society. Critical evaluation of this film and study of various facets of the movie can allow the students to "read the world."

Why are dominant castes keeping certain castes under suppression? Is the movie biased? A discussion of these in a balanced manner will assist students to enhance their critical thinking ability. As educators and not merely instructors, we do have a social as well as ethical responsibility to prepare students to not only read the word, but the world as well. We can do it by bringing media literacy/education into the classroom.

Media education is a process that makes students thoughtful and critical consumers of messages and makes them attuned to prejudice.

There is a underlying pattern which runs through all the messages in the media. Media educators have a responsibility of asking the students to see the pattern and of making the students sensitive to the way the patterns validate certain ideas, values, and social norms. Media education is capable of equipping the students to understand how the media work and becomes sensitive to the function of media (social and mass media) in their life. Today we live amidst viral social media memes, tweets, news, opinions, and videos. We are bombarded with information and disinformation/misinformation that we are daily exposed to by the mainstream and social media. It influences us in so many various ways and shapes our worldview. It forces us to embrace a specific worldview. Unless the students are educated to read the content critically, they will be uninformed and misguided.

Respected teachers, it is our moral responsibility to prepare our students to "read the world". It is simple to prepare them to "read the word" but it is not simple to prepare them to "read the world". We should be ready to face challenges as teachers.

Death of Uttarkashi Journalist Rajeev Pratap Sparks Demands for Fair Probe, Raises Alarms on Media Safety

The recent finding of the body of Rajeev Pratap in the Bhagirathi River of Uttarkashi has once again sparked a debate over journalist safety in Uttarakhand and the whole of India. Pratap, aged 36, was a well-known digital journalist and founder of the YouTube channel Delhi Uttarakhand Live. On September 18, 2025, he disappeared, and was discovered dead on the Joshiyara barrage on September 28, ten days later, which caused outrage and suspicion in the media fraternity and among citizens.

What Happened?

Pratap, a graduate of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and a reputable columnist in local news, was reportedly threatened several times after he published investigative reports on the corruption and abnormalities in local institutions, such as hospitals and schools. Police officials claimed that his friend had a mangled Alto car that was discovered in the Bhagirathi River a day after he disappeared. CCTV video footage showed that Pratap was alone in the car before what occurred. Investigators suggest that his vehicle may have plunged off the Gangotri highway into the river, a theory currently supported by internal injuries observed in the postmortem report.

What did the Family and Police Say?

The family of Pratap however denies the story of accidents with high intensity as they assert that threats associated with his journalism contributed to his disappearance and subsequent death. His wife, Muskan, has come out publicly to verify that Pratap feared and was anxious about recurrent threats to delete critical videos off his channel. The family has already filed a complaint on the issue of abduction and they insist that there is no way the strange events could have been due to mere accident.

Following growing pressure by the population, press organizations, and anti-establishment activists, Uttarakhand Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Uttarkashi, to investigate all the angles such as the threats, witness testimonies and technical examination of the vehicle. Law enforcement has promised a clear and in-depth investigation, and the postmortem and additional forensics reports are awaited.

Reactions and Media Safety Concerns

The event has given shockwaves on the media fraternity of India, as there is a consistent trend of increasing fear and violence against journalists who write about corruption in the country and other sensitive topics. International media freedom organizations, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), have called on an independent investigation and called not to prejudgmentally close the case as accidental without exhaustively investigating all leads of threats made to Pratap.

Locals, activists and opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi have demanded immediate reforms to safeguard journalists on the ground that honest reporting must not be achieved at the expense of press freedom or personal safety. The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand has assured to provide total cooperation to honest investigation.

The tragic death of Rajeev Pratap underscores the danger faced by journalists who are willing to confront power by telling the truth in the small towns and districts in India. The resolution of the current SIT probe will not only define justice to Pratap and closure to his family, but also the future of independent reporting in the area.

GenZ and the Urge to Become Journalists: Navigating New Media Careers

Gen Z is redefining the principles of media due to the pace of digital transformation and the desire to bring to light the real stories of the world. In Indian schools and colleges, the number of GenZ students pursuing journalism as a satisfying profession is on the rise; driven by their interest in social change and the ambition to influence the discourse.

Why GenZ Comes to Journalism?

GenZ is more exposed to an overwhelming stream of information than any other generation ever was, with their news feed filled with misinformation, viral social media, citizen reporting, and micro-content. The result has been an increasing impatience with clickbait and fake news, and various people have started to think of journalism as not only a profession, but a social cause:

Value-Driven Aspirations: GenZ is focused on authenticity, truth, and social causes. Journalism provides the space to open up the narratives and give voice to the voiceless.
The Digital Natives: A generation raised on smart phones and social networking platforms, GenZ is the most effective multimedia storyteller, content creator and fact-checker of the future, and this makes them an ideal match with the new career in journalism.

What Does Journalism Look Like as a Career?

Journalism is beyond print and television. New-age reporters operate on online portals, podcasts, YouTube, independent blogs, and even on social platforms. Such popular specialisations include:

Multimedia Reporting: The integration of text, video, and infographics to present more engaging stories.
Data Journalism: Visualising and analysing complex problems.
Social Media Strategy: Developing and publishing content to reach more people and get immediate response.

The changing nature of newsrooms has seen major media houses in India and other regions provide paid internships, online fellowships and new-age positions through emerging media houses. The genZ journalists have found their place in investigative journalism, environmental reporting, fact-checking, citizen journalism, and even brand content strategy.

What are the skills needed?

The most important skills that GenZ ought to acquire are as follows:

Critical Thinking: Fact-checking, source verification, and balanced perspective are aspects more valuable than ever.
Digital Literacy: Mobile editing and on-the-go reporting, as well as multimedia production, are necessities.
Ethics and Empathy: Contemporary journalism requires the adherence to fairness, delicacy, and the dedication to the public interest.

How to Know if Journalism is the Calling?

These may sound, which would make Journalism a natural profession:
High motivation to engage in real, effective stories.
Interest in writing, researching, and meeting new people every day.
Familiarity with the digital world, social media, and high-speed environments.
Care about social problems, discussions, or political events.

Which Courses and Colleges to visit?

The best universities of India and media schools have special courses in journalism, mass communications, digital media, and PR. Some leading names include:

Indian Institute of Mass communication (IIMC).
Institute of Media and Communication, symbiosis.
Asian College of Journalism (ACJ)
Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC).

Most of these institutes provide practical training, simulations in a newsroom, multimedia laboratories, and exchange programs to be exposed to the world.

Counsellor’s Advice

For GenZ, journalism is not merely a profession but a chance to change the society, express opinions, and create a positive shift. With the changing habits of news consumption and the globalization of the world turning into a hyperconnected system, the demand of reliable, tech-saturated journalists is more than ever.

Intern at media organizations, become part of school/college news/publications, or create a blog/YouTube channel.
Create a strong Portfolio. Collect samples of writing, multi-media work in an online portfolio- this will enhance employment opportunities.
Stay Curious. Consistently visit proven news sources and learn about new ways of telling stories.
Most importantly, keep in mind: it is journalism, and it is about honesty, agility, and a lifetime passion to learn.

Top 5 Social Media Trends This Week in India: What’s Capturing Attention in September 2025

Social media is transforming in India, and it is affecting the way we interact, shop, educate and celebrate. This is the week of September, 2025 and these five trends are influencing online discussions and providing new opportunities to creators, marketers, and brands to reach India's massive and diverse digital population.

1. Navratri Festival Content

As Navratri festivities are in full bloom, content based on traditional dances such as Garba and Dandiya, recipes in festive meals, and styling are viewed as a hot trend on Instagram, YouTube and Instagram Reels. Hashtags such as #Navratri2025 and #GarbaVibes are trending, and users post DIY decorations, pious songs, and cultural content, particularly in local languages, including Gujarati, Marathi, and Hindi.

2. Short-Form Video Dominance

Short videos continue to drive engagement with TikTok-style videos recording high uploads, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts recording all time highs. Video editing software that uses AI has enabled creators to make cool content that is customized and reflects on emotions and tales in a few seconds. Among the young generation of India, educational bite sized videos on exam tips, health hacks, and career guides are very popular.

3. Driving Regional Impact through Micro-Influencers

Brands are also collaborating more with micro-influencers (5k-50k followers) with niche, loyal followings in Tier 2 and 3 cities. These influencers are more successful at producing local content, which is more readily accepted by the regional audience, in local languages and cultural backgrounds.

4. Video Scroll Feature by Apple

The most recent software update of Apple this September featured a game changer scroll option in videos which enables the users to preview video messages and videos as they scroll through their feeds and chats. This seamless integration makes iOS 26 appear dynamic, a user need not look through long lists to see highlights before indicated, jump to the part before continuing browsing, and can touch and swipe graphical information without halting browsing. The feature of scroll-to-preview has brought both discussion in technology forums and online news providers in India, with creators and influencers using it to increase their engagement and reduce content skipping.

The update is addictive and easy to use among the users of iPhones and iPads, particularly the youthful users and social media overseers. The video-as-you-scroll functionality is most suitable in India where the short-form video boom has thrived and there is a general increase in interest on immersive, snackable content.

5. 'Firefighter Method'

The Firefighter Method format is the hottest Instagram Reel trend in India. This trend involves creators and influencers making short, amusing videos revealing how they react to everyday crises or other life situations such as the need to be to the metro or study before the exam ends and takes the dramatic, action-ready position and includes comedic cuts. The format motivates Indian users to show their flexibility and humor, which is usually configured to original audio clips that were popular this week.

The trend is trending among students, working professionals, and meme pages, and it is becoming popular due to its relatable and energetic style. The Firefighter Method is a creative approach to demonstrating how a company solution can be used to address daily difficulties, and brands are eager to make use of it and engage more in the Indian Instagram community.

To sum up, the social media trends of this week indicate the active nature and the changing priorities of the Indian online society. Whether it is the festival of Navratri and the flood of creative short videos or the authentic strength of local micro-influencers, platforms still define how Indians interact, learn and celebrate culture. Experiments such as the video scroll option on Apple and trends such as Firefighter Method Reel are evidence that technology and narrative are changing simultaneously, enabling users to feel noticed and heard in a manner they have never been.

With the brands, creators, and everyday users adjusting to these new features and forms, social media has become a place where hope, humor, and tradition coexist. The vibrant convergence of the regional voices, technology, and innovative forms are allowing the online population of India more than ever a means to belong, express and elevate above the barriers, making any share, scroll, and story a part of a greater and ongoing transformation.

Media Education is a Path To Media Literacy for Children

Media education has become an urgent need in the modern digital age, with kids and teens spending more time than ever before on television, the internet, and social media. According to a study titled, “Media Education Of Children And Youth As A Path To Media Literacy” by Bozena Supsakova educating children on learning to comprehend, interpret, and apply various mediums of the media is not only a good thing, but also a necessity to their development and protection in the media-driven world.

What Does the Research Say?

A prominent research on students in Slovakia revealed that media, particularly TV and internet have a massive influence in the lives of young people and children. Children resort to these things to seek answers and in most cases, face-to-face communication has been ousted by phone call or online communication. The research brings out the impact of the changes not only on learning habits, but also on social skills and the way youths perceive the world around them.

What Is the Importance of Media Education?

Media literacy is now more important than reading, or math because it is the possibility to learn how to think and use all media critically and successfully. Unless they are instructed, children might be unaware of when they are being misled by fake news, misled by advertising, or wasting too much time on damaging content. Countries are already revising their school curricula to educate children on how media operates, how to communicate safely, and how to critically evaluate what they watch and share on the Internet.

5 Reasons why Media Literacy is important?

Helps understand the difference between good and bad

Media literacy provides children with the critical thinking abilities so that they can identify what is considered credible and unreliable. In today’s world where fake news and biased reporting, media literacy educates young learners on how to be skeptical of their sources, evaluate facts, and systematically detect propaganda or advertising motives. This critical thinking ability prevents children from being influenced and assists them to make decisions based on their information instead of accepting the information they read.

Helps know about career options

The career options that are available for all the in media are diverse and ample. With digital and media skills becoming a necessity in all industries, such as journalism and marketing, data analysis and content creation, being media literate gives students a competitive advantage. Learning about the media and getting their hands on digital tools make young people qualified to take out new digital economy jobs in the social media management, digital storytelling, graphic design, and many more.

Help find one’s interest and inclination

Through various media, children will be able to pursue their interests and they will also get to discover some of the talents that they would not have found out otherwise. Media literacy helps to explore creativity, as children can write, produce video, take photos, create digital art. This exploration develops self-confidence and personal development, enabling children to find their inclinations, strengths and gain confidence in their capabilities.

Helps stay relevant with the evolving world

The world of media is constantly changing with each passing month– new platforms, technologies, and communication styles are emerging day-after-day, setting new standards, creating new jobs, and becoming popular. Media literacy ensures that children stay current with these changes and adapt to shifting modes of information consumption and digital interaction. This readiness is very important for lifelong learning and active participation in society, enabling young people to navigate social, educational, and professional environments successfully in an ever-evolving world of media.

Helps to feel empowered and become responsible

Media literacy empowers children by giving them the tools to use media responsibly and ethically. It fosters a sense of agency, helping young users understand the impact of their online behavior on themselves and others. With this empowerment comes responsibility, media-literate children learn to create and share content thoughtfully, respect privacy, and engage in digital spaces with respect and integrity. These ethical foundations enable them to become responsible digital citizens who can advocate for positive change in their communities.

What can schools and parents do for it?

Media education should be included in the standard school curriculum, and must be introduced into the curriculum at a young age in the life of a child. This involves the use of current material, discussion, and familiarity of the students with both the old media such as the newspapers and the new medium such as the social networks. Parents have a significant role, as they can discuss with children what they see, identify misleading information, and influence the development of healthy habits in the digital world.

In conclusion, it is important to make media literacy a skill or core competency in every school- and in every family. Through collaboration, teachers and parents can ensure that children are not only safe on the internet but also competent and adept at using media to learn, communicate and develop in the fast changing world today.

Key Facts Every Media Aspirant ,a 12th pass student must know before taking admission in undergraduate program

FAQ High-Paying Media Careers After BJMC/MJMC for Students

Q1. Can a BJMC graduate become a Corporate Communications Manager?
A. Yes. Many corporates, especially in tech, FMCG, and finance, hire Corporate Communications Managers to handle brand reputation, internal communication, and press relations.
Average Salary: ₹8–20 lakh/year
Extra Skills/Courses: MBA in Communication Management, PG in Corporate PR

Q2. Is Brand Strategist a good-paying role after BJMC?

Absolutely. Brand Strategists plan campaigns, messaging, and market positioning for big brands, working closely with creative and marketing teams.

Average Salary: ₹12–25 lakh/year

Extra Skills/Courses: MBA in Marketing, Certificate in Brand Management (Coursera/UpGrad)

Q3. Can I become a Digital Content Producer with a BJMC degree?
A. Yes. OTT platforms, ad agencies, and YouTube networks hire Digital Content Producers to create, plan, and manage videos, podcasts, and social content.
Average Salary: ₹8–15 lakh/year (₹25–40 lakh for senior roles in OTT)
Extra Skills/Courses: Diploma in Digital Media Production, Adobe Premiere Pro/After Effects certification

Q4. Is Event Marketing Manager a high-paying career for media graduates?
A. Yes. Event Marketing Managers plan large-scale corporate events, entertainment shows, and influencer meet-ups for brands.
Average Salary: ₹10–18 lakh/year (plus incentives)
Extra Skills/Courses: PG Diploma in Event Management, MBA in Marketing

Q5. Can a BJMC graduate get into Media Buying & Planning?
A. Definitely. Media Buyers/Planners decide where ads should run (TV, digital, radio) for maximum ROI. It’s strategic, data-driven, and in demand.
Average Salary: ₹7–15 lakh/year (₹20+ lakh at director level)
Extra Skills/Courses: PG in Media Planning, Google Ads & Analytics certification

Q6. Is Influencer Marketing Manager a well-paying job?
A. Yes. Brands pay big for professionals who can manage influencer partnerships, negotiate deals, and track campaign performance.
Average Salary: ₹8–14 lakh/year (₹20+ lakh in luxury/fashion brands)
Extra Skills/Courses: Certification in Social Media Marketing, Influencer Campaign Analytics

Q7. Can I work as a Creative Director after BJMC?
A. Yes, with experience. Creative Directors lead ad campaigns, TVCs, and brand storytelling for agencies and production houses.
Average Salary: ₹15–40 lakh/year
Extra Skills/Courses: PG in Creative Communication, Advanced Film & Advertising Workshops

Q8.Are these high-paying jobs available to freshers?
Some entry-level roles like junior content designer or digital marketing executive are open to freshers, but top salaries come with experience, specialization, and strong portfolios.

Average Salary: ₹4–8 lakh/year
Extra Skills/Courses- Short term certification course

Q9.How do I start building skills for these careers while in college?

Take online certifications (Google, Coursera, Meta Blueprint)
Build a portfolio with freelance or college projects
Network on LinkedIn and industry events

Stay updated with OTT and media tech trends

Q.10 What is the best course for a high-paying media job in India?
Courses depend on the role:

Content Designer: BJMC/MJMC Mass Communication + UX Design Certificate
Programmatic Specialist: MBA in Digital Marketing + Google Ads Certification
Music Supervisor: BJMC+ Diploma in Sound Engineering + Music Business
Media Strategist: MBA in Media Management or PG in Advertising & PR
Media ML Engineer: B.Tech (AI/ML) + Digital Media Technology
PCR Controller - MJMC ,PG Diploma in TV Production
Video Editor-BJMC/MJMC Mass Communication with specialization in video production
Filmmaker/Director of Photography- BJMC/MJMC Mass Communication with specialization in photography and cinematography
Media Director- MJMC with specialization in Media Management,Advertising PR
Director of Strategic Communication- Mass Communication Degree with specialization in Media and Marketing Management

Q.11Can a mass communication student work in AI or tech-based media jobs?

Ans- Yes. Many media tech jobs require content knowledge + technical skills. Mass communication students can enter AI-based media roles by learning coding (Python), AI/ML basics, and cloud tools like AWS alongside their degree.

Q.12 Which media career pays the most in India?Ans- The highest-paying media roles in India include Media Machine Learning Engineers (₹2.4 crore per year), Content Designers in global firms (₹1.4 crore per year), and Music Supervisors on big projects (₹2 crore+ per assignment). All the technical profiles are highly paid jobs while front line jobs provide recognition and fame in the first place. Subsequently with the experience ,you start a good paycheck with other perks. Behind the screens roles pay in lakhs.

How Students Can Prepare for Media Careers in 2026

If you are planning to join a media college in 2026,, here is how you can future proof your career in an AI driven industry.

Learn AI Tools - Familiarize yourself with AI platforms used in media .
Build Digital Skills- Video editing,data visualization,podcastingand social media strategy will be key.
Focus on Ethics -AI will flood newsrooms with content but your ability to to remain truthful, unbiased and sensitive will set you apart.
Strengthen Storytelling- Practice creative writing,reporting and feature stories. Human emotions are irreplaceable.
Stay Curious and Adaptive- Media is evolving fast.Flexibility will keep your career relevant.

FAQ Students Ask About AI in Journalism

Q.1 Will AI replace journalists completely?

Ans- AI may take repetitive reporting ,but story telling ,investigation and ethical decision making need humans.

Q.2 Should I still choose journalism as a career in 2026?

Ans- Absolutely ,Journalism is evolving ,not ending.In fact AI creates new opportunities for creative and tech savvy journalists.

Q.3 What Skills should I focus on?

Ans- Digital Literacy,critical thinking ,creativity ,communication and adaptability.

Q.4 Can AI make journalism boring?

Ans- No,AI handles routine updates,which gives journalists more time for meaningful impactful story telling.

Q-6 Will AI make journalism more trustworthy?

Ans- It depends on how it is used. AI helps fact checking but can also spread bias or misused,Human oversight is essential.

#AIInJournalism #MediaAdmissions #RobotsInMedia

The World Still Needs Your VoiceAI is here to stay,and it will keep changing how newsrooms function.But here’s the truth every aspiring media student should remember..AI may create reports ,but it cannot replace your passion,your questions,your storytelling or your ability to connect with people. The journalist of the future will not compete with robots but will collaborate with them -using AI is a tool not a threat. Become a powerful tech oriented communicator,an anchor by using AI prompts you can be more impressive and versatile.