Mass Communication and Journalism
-DS Mehta
Journalists, publicists and feature writers and students must read this book.
It is written by a veteran Public relations expert. Mass Communication and journalism is widely recommended by seasoned journalists.
Mr. Mehta was very senior Indian publicist with carried experience in government and noted publications.
He also worked as a P.R. adviser to Chairman of Bennett and Coleman company, publishers of Times of India group.
Mass communication is known for its outreach among different sections of society. There is not a single section which is unaffected by its reach.
Right from the head of the nation to lay citizen, all are touched by its influence.
Mass communication is aptly treated as fourth estate in democracy as it safeguards interests of laypersons against repression.
Author has explained briefly about the different parts of mass media but has particularly emphasised on Feature writing.
‘Mass Communication and Journalism’ covers topics such as Features-Oral Press Briefings, Interviews for news and features.
Since author worked as an important Indian government functionary, he is able to explain about government media organisations such as AIR, Doordarshan and Directorate of Audio Visual publicity.
It also informs about various press laws.
Author also informs about role played by Press Council Of India.
It also informs about role played by publicist in any organisation.
Pros :
-It is divided into 31 chapters
-It is written by a veteran Indian PR expert.
- It carries a glossary along with it.
-It suits media researchers, students
-It provides ample information on public relation activities.
-It will help media community to understand Indian media organisations.
Cons:
-It was written few decades back.
-It is written with Indian perspective.
It does not provide ample information about new-media.
-Some may not like excessive technical details
- It does not carry neutral opinion about government organisations.