AIOU allocates quota for working journalists in Mass Com programmes

Islamabad
Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has allocated special quota for working journalists for admission in Mass-Com programmes at M.Phil and Ph.D level.
This was stated by the Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Shahid Siddiqui while addressing a Media-Dialogue session held here Friday at the university’s main campus.
The working journalists will be given 30 additional marks in written exam, against their on-job working experience. AIOU is already accommodating working journalists in admission at master-level mass com program. Now onward this concession would also be available at higher level academic programs through a special quota.
Dr. Shahid Siddiqui also announced launching of short courses on media-related specific subjects. The working journalists would be invited as visiting faculty. This aimed at bridging the gap between theory and experience in order to make the media study more practical and worthwhile. He noted that media has emerged as more powerful social institution having effective role in building public opinion and guiding the nation on various issues.
Eminent journalist, Mohsin Raza was the guest-speaker at the media dialogue who spoke on ‘Media landscape in Pakistan’ narrating his own personal experience and understanding. In the recent years, he said there has been fast development in the media profession, following the mushroom growth of print and electronic network and emerging new technology.
Giving his critical analysis on the media’s role, he said the media needs to work with a sense of responsibility, keeping high the national interest and moral values. Journalists should take care of sanctity and the credibility of their words and sayings, while discharging their professional duties. Moreover, they need to use its strength and influence in highlighting real issues that relate to benefit of common man.
Earlier Professor Dr. Syed Abdul Siraj, dean of social science and chairman of Department of Mass Communication highlighted the academic contribution of AIOU 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.
AIOU has recently started the media dialogue series to provide a platform for mutual collaboration between academicians and journalists to promote good journalistic practices.