Understanding journalism today requires not only mastery of storytelling but also a deep awareness of the economic and ethical forces shaping the media landscape. In this context, the Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication (IJMC), PES University, hosted an insightful guest lecture by Dr. Arun Shyamnath, a seasoned media professional with over two decades of experience across television, cinema, and print media.
The lecture, themed “Economics of Contemporary Media and Journalism,” was held on November 10, 2025, at the PESU IJMC Campus, RR Nagar, Bengaluru, and attracted enthusiastic participation from students and faculty alike.
Bridging Theory with Industry Reality
Drawing from a career that began in 2002, Dr. Shyamnath offered students a grounded, real-world understanding of how the media industry has evolved over the years. His professional journey across television serial production, presentation, and cinematic storytelling allowed him to contextualize academic concepts with practical examples that resonated strongly with the audience.
By sharing firsthand experiences, he illustrated how technological advancements, changing audience behaviour, and commercial pressures have collectively transformed journalism and media production.
Media Economics and Political Influence
A central theme of the lecture was the complex relationship between media economics and political influence. Dr. Shyamnath explained how contemporary newsroom business models—driven by revenue structures, ownership patterns, and market competition—often shape the narratives that reach the public.
He urged students to critically examine
- The financial forces influencing editorial decisions
- The impact of political alignments and ownership on news content
- The challenges of maintaining independence in a commercially driven media environment
This discussion encouraged students to develop a more analytical and socially responsible approach to media consumption and production.
Ethics in a Digital‑First Era
Dr. Shyamnath devoted significant attention to the ethical challenges facing journalists today, especially in an era dominated by digital platforms and rapid news cycles. He emphasized that while technical and broadcasting skills are important, long-term success in journalism depends heavily on ethical integrity, credibility, and adaptability.
He stressed that journalists must remain vigilant against misinformation, sensationalism, and ideological bias, particularly in an increasingly polarized public sphere.
Engaging Dialogue with Students
The session concluded with an energetic question-and-answer interaction, where students posed insightful questions about the future of journalism, audience trust, and career sustainability. Impressed by the depth of engagement, Dr. Shyamnath commended the PES University students for their curiosity and critical thinking, noting that such reflective inquiry is vital for the next generation of journalists.
Strengthening Industry–Academia Collaboration
The lecture was attended by faculty members including Mr. Joel Rajkumar, Dr. Madhura Narayan, and Dr. Srilakshmi M. P., who contributed to the vibrant exchange of ideas. The event was made possible through the initiative of Ms. Anuradha S. Pai, Chairperson, Commerce and Economics, whose invitation facilitated this meaningful interaction between industry and academia.
Preparing Ethical, Industry‑Ready Journalists
The guest lecture reinforced PES University’s commitment to experiential, industry‑aligned education, offering students a rare opportunity to engage with a veteran media professional on issues that define contemporary journalism.
By critically examining the intersections of economics, ethics, and practice, the session equipped students with the awareness, values, and perspective required to navigate the evolving media ecosystem with integrity and confidence.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-arun-shyamnath-pmp%C2%AE-pmi-acp%C2%AE-924024277/
