Mass comm programme: AIOU allocates special quota for working journalists

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has allocated a special quota for working journalists for admission in its mass communication programmes at the MPhil and PhD level.

This was stated by vice chancellor Dr Shahid Siddiqui while addressing a media-dialogue session on Friday at the university’s main campus.

The working journalists will be given 30 additional marks in written exams, against their on-job working experience.

AIOU is already accommodating working journalists in the master’s programme.

Siddiqui also announced launch of short courses on media related subjects for which working journalists would be invited as visiting faculty. This was aimed at bridging gap between theory and experience in order to make media study more practical and worthwhile. He noted that media has emerged as a powerful social institution having effective role in building public opinion and guiding the nation on various issues.

Journalist Mohsin Raza, a guest speaker at the dialogue, spoke on ‘Media landscape in Pakistan’ narrating his own personal experience and understanding. In recent years, he said, there has been fast development in the profession, following mushroom growth of print and electronic network and emerging technology.

Giving his critical analysis on role of media, he said media needs to work with a sense of responsibility, keeping high the national interest and moral values. Journalists should take care of sanctity and credibility of their words and sayings, while discharging their professional duties, he said.

Earlier Dr Syed Abdul Siraj, dean of social sciences and chairman of the department of mass communication at AIOU, highlighted academic contribution of the university in the field of journalism. The department, since its inception in 1986, has produced a number of journalists who are now working in various media houses with valuable contribution, he said.

The university recently started media dialogue series to provide a platform for mutual collaboration between academicians and journalists and to promote good journalistic practices.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19^th, 2015.