‘Freelancing good option for journalism students’

Niranjan Vanalli, Head of the Department of Studies in Journalism in Mysore University, stressed the need for bridging the gap between classroom teaching and actual work on the field.

He was speaking at the Press Day celebrations organised by Hassan Reporters’ Guild and Journalism Department of the First Grade College for Women in Hassan on Wednesday.

Teachers criticised

“Often we face criticism that teachers of journalism hardly update themselves on new trends in the field. I too have noticed that many lecturers in journalism hesitate to make acquaintances with active journalists. In Hassan, however, reporters of main stream media have joined hands with the department to conduct programmes on the field. This should be a model for other journalists,” he said.

‘Look for stories’

Speaking on freelancing, he told students that they could remain journalists without joining any media house if they cultivated the habit of writing. “Look for interesting developments and happenings and contribute write-ups on them to publications. As a student, one can earn pocket money by contributing to publications. Moreover, if you continue this practice, you can remain a journalist as long as you can write,” he told students. Roopraj Chandan, principal of the college, presided over the programme.