IndiGlobal Bureau
Media has always been dependent on technology but in the modern world, the dependence is only growing. The symbiotic relationship between theory and practice is best judged by the use of digital technology. Technology is a double edged sword and if used appropriately, it can create wonders. This in a nut shell was the outcome of the panel discussion on ‘Digital literacy for Mass Communication & Journalism and Fine Arts’ organised by Adobe at the hybrid conference –Adobe Creative Campus: Cultivating Digital Literacy-Engage, Develop and Employ held at Bengaluru here on Friday.
B K Ravi, Head, Journalism & Mass Communication, Bangalore University said it is imperative that one understands the positive as well as negative aspects of technology. The ‘theory of gatekeeping’ is very important and if we fruitfully do it, digital technology is a boon.” Concurring with the view, Ujwala S Barve, HOD, SPPU, Pune University said, “Data visualisation has become very important and how it will aid in storytelling or use in video editing software is important. AI powered content is emerging in a big way.” She further added, “One needs to understand why to do it and not just do it because technology is available.” Vivitha MK, Head, Journalism & Mass Communication, Mount Carmel said, “Breaking news is the ‘in thing’ and in the mad rush to do so, we are compromising on quality of content and not cross checking the source of the news.”
Converged journalist, need of the hour
In this day and age, there is a need for a journalist to acquire several skills that include how to write, narrate, speak, present audio-visual content and embed tools. The need of the modern world is to develop ‘converged journalists’. As far as ‘Fake News’ is concerned, said B K Ravi that it is the result of technology and it is technology per se that comes to the rescue in the form of fact checking through various platforms. He further added, “Technology is important but the creative genius of the human mind cannot be over ruled and gaining knowledge is equally important.”
Adobe solution consultant Darakshan Khan presented software tools that can enhance a story by a click of a button and help the content creator with easy tools such as transcribing a sequence and providing captions. The panel was moderated by Supreet Nagaraju, Head, Education Digital Media, India and South Asia, Adobe.
