The Institute of Media and Communication Studies came into being with the
bifurcation of the Department of Political Science and Mass
Communication on 15.12.1996. Previously in its old shape the
Department was pursuing an evening program of diploma course in
Communication Studies since 1987, which was upgraded to Master’s
level in 1991, fulfilling the desire and demand of the people of the
region. At present, the regular teaching staff for Mass
Communication consists of one Professor, one Associate Professor
and five Assistant Professor, three lecturers and one research associates.
The Department provides teaching and research facilities at M.A.,
M.Phil and Ph.D. levels. Information regarding Ph.D. programme
may be taken from the office of the Department. The Department is
progressively enhancing its research activities. At present two
scholars have been registered for Ph.D. degree and four scholars have
already completed their Ph.D. from the Department.The purpose
envisaged of M.A. Communication Studies programme is to introduce
positive values to the media and to equip young people with the
latest knowledge and skills so that they enter into the profession of
Communication Studies (Journalism) to play their effective role in
national reconstruction and development.
Evening Class of M.A. Communication Studies
Since 1996 evening classes of M.A. Part-I & II of Mass
Communication have been started, which are functioning successfully.
Media Labs for professional Training
The most illustrious aspect of the Department of Mass
Communication is it’s professional and proficient training labs
outfitted with state of the art contemporary gear. These labs comprise
FM Radio, TV Studio, Advertising Lab and IT Lab. The prime
objective of these labs is to provide latest professional acquaintance
and wealth of practical orientation to the students of the Department
of Communication Studies, so that they may get a better chance of
employment in their particular field.
FM Radio Station 104.6
The Department has established an FM radio station as “FM 104.6”
for broadcast training of the students. Radio Station comprises of On
air Studio, Production Studio, Student’s Training Booths, Control
Room, Digital Recording System and Editing System. It is
established with the financial assistance offered by HEC. FM Radio
Station is fully operative and providing training to the students.
Programs on various issues related to the university, education,
agriculture and religion are being broadcast on daily basis. All
programmes are planned, produced and presented by the University
students.
TV Production House
TV Studio is an added aspect of the
Department which makes the Department of
Communication Studies of BZU one of the
most sophisticated and technologically well
equipped department in the list of Mass
Communication Departments of Pakistan.
TV Studio production is also on track. It is a
close circuit T.V network and all programmes
are produced by the Department’s students.
T.V. News Bulletin and documentaries
production is a part of their practical
learning. At the outset the students are
preparing programs of news & current
affairs. The first and foremost objective of
TV Studio is to lend a hand to the students
for practical training in electronic journalism.
The Department has also plans for offering
training courses in film production in future.
Advertising Lab
The Advertising Lab of the Department has
all the facilities obligatory for training in the
field of advertisement production. The
students learn about the editing process and
shooting the ads alongwith all the minor
details necessary for making of
advertisements for print and electronic media.
IT Lab
Department is also offering the courses about
computer education. To meet the
requirements of the 21st century, computer
education is mandatory. The Department
understands the need of the hour that is why
a latest computer lab is established where 30
work stations are available for the students.
Departmental Newspaper and
Magazine
The Department has launched its own
newspaper and magazine as laboratory
publications for the training of the students
in the field. Newspaper titled
“Communication Times” appears on
monthly basis whereas the magazine titled
“UNI-MAG” is a biannual publication. Both
these print media entities will help the
students to learn the practical aspects of
print journalism, which will definitely be
beneficial for them to adjust in print media
organizations and get better chances of
employment.
The Library of the Department
The library is well equipped with the latest
books related to advanced media studies i.e.
on-line journalism, digital technology, modern
mass media research, modern T.V. production
related books and community relationing
books etc. Videocassettes and CDs
pertaining to various disciplines of media
studies are also available in the Department.
To impart the advance knowledge of Mass
Communication, the Professors are using the
modern techniques of audiovisual support in
this regard.
Development of Communication Skills
Group discussions, seminars, symposiums,
debates and speech competitions are of and
on arranged by the Department, in order to
develop and polish the communication skills
of the future media practitioners of Pakistan.
Similarly renowned electronic and print
media practitioners, experts of public
relations and advertising academicians and
researchers of media studies, human rights
activists and experts of certain media
disciplines are frequently invited to the
Department for delivering extensive and
thought provoking lectures regarding latest
scenarios of various aspects of media
development in the globe in general and in
Pakistan particularly.
Co curricular activities
Similarly extra curricular activities like quiz
programmes, receptions and fare well
programmes, sports week, study and
recreational trips as well as programmes of
performing arts are being organized by the
various sections of the students of the
Department. The students are also
encouraged to participate in study tours of
historical places and media institutions as a
part of their study for M. A. and M. Phil
Degree.
Sports Activities and Reserved Seats
for Sports Person
Department is very keen to promote
physical health activities of the students and
is offering 1% sports quota in the light of the
Prime Minister’s directive for admission in
M.A. classes.