The Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University is soon going to be the only women’s varsity in the country to have its own news channel as the preparation for the launch is in its final stage. The university, which already has a state-of-the-art studio worth ₹1 crore, is going to make use of this hi-tech facility to air news and other programmes, including features and documentaries.
“This is one of the milestones for the university and we are anxiously waiting for the launch of our own news channel,” Omkar Kakade, HoD, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, said. He said Bangalore University’s electronic media department has a news web channel. Besides this, eight other universities, also have similar channels. However, no women’s university in the country has its own news channel, he added. He said the department has a fortnightly magazine “Mahila Dhwani”. However, the department was seriously contemplating to have its own news channel, he added. Mr. Kakade said in the beginning, they plan to broadcast 30 minutes long news once a week. However, based on the experience of the journalism students, the duration will be increased, he said. He said of the 30 minutes, 15 minutes will be dedicated to district news. Later, more programmes, features, and documentaries will be aired, he said. “We have already held talks with cable operators to show our events, and the same could also be viewed on Youtube and Facebook,” he said, adding that the varsity is finalising the channel’s logo and other details before officially launching it. “We have six hi-tech cameras and equipment to broadcast live events,” he said, adding that the channel will be of great help to journalism students. “With news channels becoming a major part in the world of media, our students will gain a good experience before joining a news media house after finishing the course here,” he said.
