The fields of Mass Communication and Journalism are often bundled together, both in courses and career prospects. However, both these fields have their differences, although they may seem similar. If you're interested in these fields but don't know anything about journalism and mass communication, you can read this article until the end for more details.
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Difference between Mass Communication and Journalism
Mass Communication
The term 'mass communication' means any form of communication with the masses of people. This field is multidisciplinary and draws on the knowledge and expertise of different areas. It addresses how information can be conveyed through all types of media, including print, radio, television, and online platforms. Individuals in mass communication aim to provide their audience with the most engaging form of information. Thereby, they receive training to recognize each media's use and customize the message based on the media. To ensure the best experience for the audience, they include a fusion of photography, filmmaking, journalism, advertisement, public relations, and content writing.
Unlike mass communication, which aims to entertain the audience, journalism focuses on reporting news in its most accurate form. Further, journalism is mainly about the news, but mass communication includes a broad range of media.
Journalism
They work with politics, economics, business, science, sports, or entertainment news. It involves the processes of collecting the information, verifying it, crafting it based on the media, and publishing it to reach the audience. Like in mass communication, journalism also trains individuals to use print, electronic, and online platforms, and modify the news format based on the platform. Besides, these professionals are also taught basic journalistic practices and ethics. Thereby, this ensures that in contrast to mass communication professionals, journalists do not give their opinions or make modifications to the information, but present it exactly as it is.
Courses and Colleges to get into Mass Communication and Journalism
Courses in Mass Communication
The annual fee to study Mass Communication can vary from Rs. 90,000 - 6 Lac, based on the course and institution. The best courses to pursue a career in Mass Communication are-
- B.A. in Mass Communication
- B.A. in Media Studies
- B.A. in Mass Communication and Film making
- Bachelors in Mass Communication (B.M.C.)
- Bachelors in Multimedia and Mass Communication (BMMC)
- B.Sc in Mass Communication
Courses in Journalism
The course fee for Journalism can vary from Rs. 70,000 - 3.5 Lac per annum, based on the course and institution. The best courses to pursue a career in Journalism are-
- B.A. in Journalism
- B.A. in Convergent Journalism
- B.A. in Development Journalism
- B.A. in Journalism and Communication Studies
- Bachelors of Journalism
Some of the top institutions for the courses in Mass Communication and Journalism include:
- 1. Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
- 2. A.J.K. Mass Communication Research Centre, New Delhi
- 3. Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune
- 4. University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
- 5. Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal
- 6. Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai
- 7. Christ University, Bangalore
- 8. Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Bangalore
- 9. Manorama School of Communication, Kottayam
- 10. Madras Christian College, Chennai
Course Structure for Mass Communication and Journalism
Mass Communication
Mass Communication courses train individuals in knowing how to use different media platforms to impact the audience profoundly. It covers the following topics -
- Communication Theories
- Print Media, Electronic Media, Digital Media
- Development Communication
- Advertising
- Radio and T.V. Production
- Reporting and Editing
- Media Management
- Media Laws and Ethics
- Intercultural and International Communication
- Public Relations/ Corporate Communication
- Media Research/ Communication Research
- Film Studies
- Photography
Journalism
Journalism courses focus on training the individual to recognize and contribute to media as a mediating agency. These are the topics that are included in the course-
- Fundamentals of Journalism
- Reporting
- Editing Methods
- Print Media
- Audio-Visual Media
- Radio Broadcasting
- Television Broadcasting
- Internet and New Media
- Magazine Journalism
- Media Laws and Indian Constitution
- Ethics
- Writing for Media
Career Opportunities in Mass Communication and Journalism
Mass Communication
On completing a course in Mass Communication, numerous job opportunities can be taken up. The initially earning capacity will range from Rs. 1,50,000 to 6,00,000 p.a., for a fresh graduate. Some of the relevant career opportunities are listed below-
- 1. Public Relations
- 2. Film Making
- 3. Journalism
- 4. Radio/Video Jockeying
- 5. Publishing and Printing
- 6. Social Media Managing
- 7. Advertisement and Branding
- 8. Content Writing and Development
- 9. Video/Audio Editing
- 10. Photography
Journalism
If one has pursued Journalism, many career opportunities can be chosen. Mostly a fresher with no experience is likely to be paid 2,40,000 to 3,60,000 p.a.; however, as the individual becomes more experienced, he/she may receive pay of Rs. 12,00,000-18,00,000 p.a and even higher. Some of the most suitable careers for those in this field are-
- 1. Content Development
- 2. News Editing
- 3. Newspaper Reporting
- 4. T.V. News Reporting
- 5. News Presentation
- 6. Camera Management
- 7. Photojournalism
- 8. Set Management
- 9. Digital Media Journalism
- 10. Program Production
By now, you should know the difference between journalism and mass communication. Journalism is a branch of mass communication and it involves sharing of information to a wide audience through various media outlets such as newspapers, radio, and television. Mass communication, on the other hand, involves sending messages to a broad, widely scattered community of people. Which of these two you want to choose is determined by your goals in life and what you want to achieve. If you continue to have any doubts about this field, send your career related query tosupport@margforyou.com
