Jammu and Kashmir: MERC organises webinar

Prominent female media professionals, including AnuradhaBhasin, RukhsanaJabeen, Dr Surbhi Dahiya and Shahana Butt shared their experiences as media professionals.

Listing the challenges women in media face while discharging their duties, Executive Editor of The Kashmir Times, AnuradhaBhasin discussed the changing face of journalism particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The stereotyping and conflict has pushed women out of newsrooms,” she said.

“However, arrival of newly-trained professionals is helping women to reclaim their space in the newsrooms.”

Acknowledging the contribution of MERC in the field of journalism, she said: “MERC has given finest journalists to the media industry.”

Prof Surbhi Dahiya, Director of English Journalism at Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) New Delhi recalled her journey from a working journalist to an academic.

Asking the participants to pursue their dreams and to see an opportunity in every challenge, she said, “Nobody can stop you if you are committed enough.”

Rukhsana Jabeen, former Director of the then Radio Kashmir, presently AIR Srinagar said: “Radio gave me an identity. I received a lot of appreciation from the audiences.”

About her initial years, she said, “I struggled a lot to convince my family regarding my career choice. But Times have changed now. Women now get more support from their families to make their career choices.”

Shahana Butt, correspondent of the Press TV talked about lack of opportunities for women journalists in Kashmir.

“We need more women broadcast professionals in the Valley,” she said Prominent among those present on the occasion included NasirMirza, senior faculty and former HoD MERC and DrAaliya, Head, MERC besides other staff members, students and prominent citizens.