Mass communication relates to that field of human endeavor, which deals with the mass production of messages that reach a huge number of people. It is a study that revolves around the numerous means of mass communication that have been developed over time. These different means of mass communication are the essential tools for relaying information to the public. The idea of being able to communicate a single message to large proportions of the population gave birth to the concept of mass communication. Some examples of these media include Television, Radio, Print , Internet etc.

Though Mass communication deals with a variety of media there are some common rules of the game along with special media related information that needs to be understood to excel in this field. Most of the time the media for the message to be broadcast is selected keeping the need of the message and the impact required or more often than not convenience.  The information that has to transferred could be news or entertainment or both. But still the basic rules remain the same.

Though print and television are the popular mediums through which one can communicate with the masses, internet is slowing becoming more and more important and a degree in mass media will open up avenues for that too. Jobs in mass communication require a lot of creativity and the ability to think in think in a broader perspective. This requires the attitude and core skills of the person to match at least a little bit before making the decision to get formal education in the same.


Specializations in Mass Communication
Some of the common sub-fields in mass communication include Journalism, Advertising, and Public Relations.

In Journalism, the main purpose is to inform, educate and enlighten the masses on current issues and various other social issues that are relevant to them. Journalism is about collecting and editing of news for presentation through media.

Print journalism,
Deals with print media, has been one of the oldest forms of journalism. Newspapers and magazines, big or small are part of the daily routine of millions of people world over and have always been major source of news and information throughout the world. As time has progressed , print journalism has witnessed major transformation; from a simple profession of reporting news that might of interest to the local population it has evolved into a highly specialized and professional field owing to competition and other factors. Today due to the needs of the wide audience the newspapers and magazines cover a wide range of specialized sections like political events, business news, leisure, cinema, sports, career, health and so many other subjects, which in turn demands for professionally qualified journalists

Electronic Journalism
As the name suggests is done via electronic media.  Electronic media has affected the lifestyles and thoughts of masses so rapidly like no other media has done in the history of mankind. Communication mediums like television, radio, audio, video etc. has made possible news, entertainment, information, education related subjects reach the very far and wide places. It has to an extent sidelined other forms of communication. With the growing network of TV, satellite communication, cable services, radio stations, etc., the future of this industry seems bright. Electronic journalism offers to professionally qualified aspirants opportunities in a number of fields

Advertising
Is exciting and highly sought after career that involves brand-building through effective and innovative communication. Since advertising is a service industry, the reputation of the ad agency depends on the effective work being done and campaign released from time to time. This makes the job even more challenging. With the advent of the multinational companies, more and more Indian agencies are tying up with the foreign agencies to pitch for international clients indicates to the high growth in coming years in this industry.

Film-making
Involves study of skills used in acting, directing, producing, script writing, cinematography, sound recording, visual mixing and editing etc. It is very popular fields today with a lot of youngsters taking to film-making. When we talk of films today, there is no dearth of available professional career options. Although, it is not all that easy to taste success in one of the most competitive and sought after fields, but definitely for someone sanguine and determined, it can be quite rewarding. Films have always earned recognition and fascination of masses.

Publishing & Printing
In publishing & printing the student will study various scientific methods used in this industry for coming up with world quality print media. It also requires editorial understanding. With the advent of the internet, the demand for writers and other roles primarily engaged in generating content for the online space is growing steadily and a number of mass comm. graduates are taking up work related to the internet as a lucrative career option.

Public Relations
As a stream is also part of mass communication. PR executives are also in demand as they are responsible for building the public image of an organization. Once, the simple operation of publicity today has emerged as an important management function. Public Relations, as the name suggests, is used to generate and portray, positive image of an organisation by various means. Business houses, schools, universities, hospitals, government institutions, etc. engage public relations personnels and agencies to cast and present their image, objectives and policies in the best possible light. Nonprofit organizations, corporations, community agencies and private firms employ communications majors as public relations specialists, fund raisers and special event coordinators.


A report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), says that India’s print and broadcast industries are expected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 14% and 22%, respectively, until 2012. While print is estimated to become a Rs.28,100crore industry by 2012, television will be a Rs.60,000 crore sector. Thus, there is no dearth of opportunities in all these fields but youngsters have to understand that it is not just glamour but also a lot of hard work that goes in these professions.

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