Chandigarh,Nov,16; The Department of Journalism of Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College observed the 4th Edition of the Prem Bhatia Memorial Lecture on National Press Day. Mr. Shekhar Gupta, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, ThePrint was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Mr Gupta said, “Mr. Bhatia changed journalism in Chandigarh. Mr. Bhatia was associated with the Tribune and changed it in many ways. The Tribune started giving its reporters bylines and also started running features. Mr. Bhatia also wrote on military affairs, foreign politics, literature and even cricket.
Speaking about the state of the media he said, “Over the past 20 years, big industrial houses have acquired media outlets which has led to news being influenced. Some have also monopolized distribution channels.”
Talking about the present he said, “Indian media is going through the after effects of Covid. It’s also suffering from long term effects of the economic slowdown. He said that the media is polarized today but there are some like us that practice non-hyphenated journalism. We are walking in the middle and being shot at by both sides of the media.”
Speaking on a positive note, he said that the digital medium has come up in a big way today. Setting up a digital news outlet does not require as many resources as traditional media. Journalists can become entrepreneur with a small investment. One can also build a brand in no time. Digital media has the ability to reach people for free. People have also started paying for subscription to independent media.
Remembering Mr. Bhatia, Sh. U.K. Sharma, President, GGDSD College Society stated, “Dr. Prem Bhatia was a great journalist and he wrote the preface for the book written by Lt. Pandit Mohan Lal Ji, our Founder. We have very fond memories of Mr. Bhatia.”
Dr. Ajay Sharma, Principal of the college highlighted the importance of the media in social set up. Dr. Anirudh Joshi, General Secretary, GGDSD College Society thanked Mr. Shekhar Gupta for the enlightening interaction.
The event was coordinated by Dr Priya Chadha , Head , Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
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