Empowering Thoughts: THE WORLD OF TV JOURNALISM: A Workshop of news anchoring and script writing

The world of communication in today’s world has weaved new threads to it. With new media techniques and up to date tools it has enhanced its mode of work and approach towards its viewers. In such a case all those who aspire to build their career in world of communication need to keep their pace with the evolution in the field.

TV journalism is the most fêted means of information in existing world. News anchoring and script writing are the most important elements of it. With this view in mind Centre of Media studies, IPS; University of Allahabad organized a three days workshop of “news anchoring and script writing”. This workshop was for students of B.A in Media Studies Sem IV and students of PG Diploma in Photojournalism and Visual Communication.

Priyadarshan, News Editor NDTV and Amrita Rai, anchor Rajyasabha TV (former anchor in NDTV and ZEE news) conducted the workshop. These experts from leading media organization were there to reshape the talents of the students as per the present need of the profession and transform their personality into presentable one.

The objecting of the workshop was to give the students an opportunity to meet and interact with the dignitaries in the field of media. Expose them to the latest media tactics and make them learn the basics of Script writing and news anchoring.

The workshop started on 13^th April 2012 in the Center of Media Studies. Mr. Priyadarshan from NDTV was the mentor for the and after formal introduction and expression of gratitude by the course coordinator Dhananjai Chopra the workshop took an interactive mode. On the first day his prime focus was on the understanding of words, its power and images. He also talked about various prejudices. He also gave understanding of various news formats viz. anchor visual, anchor visual bites, package etc. He gave various tips to students to make their writing effective and presentable. Thus the first day ended with the dive in the ocean of words and its understanding of the same.

On the second day the students were delighted to have one more eminent TV personality amidst them; Amrita Rai a well known TV news anchor. The session became more interesting with both Amrita and Priyadarshan sharing their views alternately and making it more remarkable for the students by focusing on subjects like work of TV anchor and their responsibilities. The concepts of Breaking News and techniques used by script writers and anchors were also discussed. There were also discussions on the difference that lie between print media writing and TV writing. Mr. Priyadarshan focused on the fact that the language used should be very simple and communicative with short and lucid sentences. The cap of the pen closed with vast understanding of TV journalism.

The third day of the workshop i.e. 15^th April 2012 was a day of implementation of the knowledge and information given to students on the previous two days.

Before the practical session Mrs. Amrita Rai was there to make a clear understanding of news anchoring. Very precisely she discussed all the minute details one need to be aware of if he/she is in a quest to work as a TV anchor. Knowledge and awareness has no alternatives is what she explained. As a news anchor one has to balance many situations with ones own knowledge about the subject. If one is not aware then no matter how fluent you are you end up giving a poor performance.

In the next session the scripts written by students were discussed by the experts and assistance was to improvise. Students also practiced anchoring and in a very friendly and light manner these exercises were conducted. Also very important details about anchoring were discussed. Mrs. Amrita underlined the differences between the ways of presentation of an anchor link, voice over and reports. Students very actively participated and learnt a lot from it.

The end session was the most important of all where the students got an opportunity to get answers for their queries.

With this the three days workshop came to its end. The students had gained a lot and were filled with great confidence and zeal to work hard and adhere to all the knowledge and information they gained. Both the experts encouraged the students to work hard and join them in media industry in coming future. Prof. G.K Rai, Director IPS and the faculty of Center Of Media Studies – Mr. Dhananjai Chopra; Course coordinator, Mr. Sunil Srivastava; Center Manager, Mr. Vidya Sagar Mishra , Mr. Sachin Mehrotra and Mr. Amit Maurya were also Present.