Book on Fundamentals of Digital Journalism launched

The launch of Fundamentals of Digital Journalism, a book written by Dr Kiran Thakur, Dr Makarand Pandit and Dr Yogesh Joshi have co-authored the book, published by Vishwakarma Publications was held recently. Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nitin Karmalkar during the launch ceremony said the rise of online media has posed some fresh challenges, pressing the need for judicious use of this medium.

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“We live in an age where we are being inundated with information mainly due to online medium. Sometimes, the information turns out to be fake. Under such circumstances, there is need for judicious use of the medium,” Dr Karmalkar said on Wednesday during the launch of the book – Fundamentals of Digital Journalism held at Ranade Institute premises on Fergusson College road.

Dr Ujjwala Barve, Head of Communication and Journalism Department, SPPU, presented plaque to Dr Karmalkar, who retires as VC on May 17 at the end of five year tenure.

Dr Sanjay Tambat read out citation on the plaque, which has been designed by Dr Nachiket Thakur. The citation underlined the contribution of Vice Chancellor to the field of education and research. During his speech, Dr Karmalkar recalled some of the initiatives he undertook at SPPU including 130 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with national and international institutes.

“Universities are important institutions in shaping the future of citizens. But they should accept there are other organisations as well doing far better work in their respective areas. Universities can collaborate with such organisations to exchange the knowledge. As a part of this effort, we at SPPU signed around 130 MoUs with national and international institutions,” said Dr Karmalkar.

Explaining the idea behind the book, Dr Kiran Thakur said, it has been written in such a way that students of media institutes and young journalists from urban and rural areas will find it useful. He said the book provides an overview of journalism, beginning from the fundamentals — the Five Ws and One H which were introduced over two centuries ago — to the social media new-age news format brought in the first decade of the 21st century. It does not limit itself to teaching how-to-gather-and-write news and features. Still, it promises to train journalism students, young teachers, and media users in the implications of the proliferation of digital journalism, said Dr Kiran Thakur.

Dr. Pandit added how this book covers various aspects of digital media including different platforms and online tools.

Dr Joshi said the book connects past, present and future of media and its changing dynamics. The book deals with the topics belonging to the new era, such as Integrated Newsroom, Power of Digital Media, News Websites, Data Journalism, Digital Storytelling, Data Science, Podcast and Twitter. With several contemporary examples, the book promises to be a comprehensive reference guide to all those interested in journalism, social media, and technical writing.

Prof Yogesh Borate offered vote of thanks during the event.