FNU students during camera operations practical session.

The COVID-19 pandemic reinforces the importance of reliable, accurate, simple and timely information to be passed on to the people. Information sharing assists members of the public to keep updated and follow necessary advisories to safeguard their health and wellbeing. In this context, the social role of journalism is crucial as the world deals with a major health crisis that is causing a catastrophic impact on global economies, health systems and social problems.

Media organisations and journalists play a crucial role to ensure their audiences receive consistent, credible information from reliable sources, which is further broken down in vernacular languages to allow for better understanding and decision making in the face of the crisis.

Journalists and communications specialists who wish to enhance their expertise in this field can do so by enrolling for Semester 2 studies at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) Bachelor of Media and Communication programme.

Offered at FNU’s College of Humanities and Education (CHE), the programme is conducted through the School of Communication, Language and Literature at Nasinu Campus.

Assistant Professor Dr Emit Snake-Beings said the programme focuses on community theory, approaches to communication, journalism, history and law of media, media ethics, writing for different media, digital media and the internet, and public relations.

“This is a coherent and comprehensive programme in media and communication. It provides the opportunity to gain knowledge in the production and functioning of different media in society, to build practical skills in designing media products, and to develop advanced critical and thinking skills,” said Dr Snake-Beings.

“We must acknowledge the fact that the media today is not only playing a crucial role in informing the public on the health aspect of the virus and how to protect oneself from it but also need to counter the disinformation that is spreading faster than the virus.”

Dr Snake-Beings said the programme is designed to equip the students with knowledge and expertise to work diligently in such situations.

The majors for this programme are Media and Communications. However, students can also take Language and Literature, Social Science, Business, Science, Agriculture or Engineering as minors together with the majors.

Interested students can enrol for Semester 2 studies by visiting the FNU website on www.fnu.ac.fj  to learn more.

Prospective students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further information on enrolment.