At a time when the humanities stream seems to be fighting even for basic survival (with student numbers at the +2 level declining by 50 percent in the last eight years alone,) one of its branches -- journalism and mass communications -- continues to lure more and more youngsters.

The reason behind the craze is, among other things, the apparent glamour and a sort of power associated with it, students said.

For instance, while only 493 students enrolled for +2 level media studies in 2002, this number was 5,989 last year. The number of students has gradually grown each succeeding year to 951; 1,929; 1,814; 2,970; 4,588; 5,701; 5,809 and lastly 5,989. Similarly, 22 colleges across the country had offered the subject in 2002 but the demand is now being catered to by a growing number of colleges. Their number reached 245 in 2011.

“The subject is quite popular in the capital and outside as well, and it is drawing a higher number of students each passing year,” said Hari Gautam, assistant director at the education department.
In contrast, the percentage of students in the humanities actually declined from 14.57 to 7.6 between 2002 and 2011. Only 23,203 out of 304,030 students chose humanities in 2011.

“I want to become a photojournalist. I dream of shooting for something like the National Geographic or Discovery channel some day,” states Kishor Poudel who has just completed four years of bachelor level in media studies from Kathmandu University (KU). “If you are efficient you can earn quick fame and money in this field,” he quipped.

Another student from KU, Binita Baral, sees herself as a cinematographer some years down the line. Baral likes to write scripts and edit by herself though she is even more interested in film making. “Mass media is the right choice for creative people. I believe there is good scope for people with the passion, people who want to make it big,” she opines.

There is also no dearth of students who want to pursue pure journalism. Raju Khatri from Chitwan is one among many students at Ratna Rajya Campus who want to create a niche for themselves in this field. “A real journalist is quite a powerful social element and is broad-minded and humble,” he opines.

With hundreds of students lining up to explore the lure of media each year, competition is going to be much tougher in the Nepali media market. In course of time it can also generate a frustrated lot as the media industry in the country apparently lacks the potential to make use of or satisfy the aspiring students, comments a senior journalist associated with electronic media.

“Our media houses have not been able to retain bright people. Journalists are rather underpaid and, moreover, only a few media houses manage to pay salaries on time,” he said requesting anonymity. “I am not very hopeful about film making taking a leap anytime soon either,” he added.

According to educationist Dr Vidhyanath Koirala, youths are after media studies as they see prospects of fame in the media sector.

“It might be their interest or a passion. However, what triggered the obsession is an X-factor associated with media. A journalist or mediaperson feels important, empowered, recognized. In the context of Nepal, journalists seem to have relatively bigger egos,” he said laughing. “And no wonder. It´s a good job -- a good writer, good cartoonist, good actor or commentator always gets appreciated and that is enough to lure the young.”

source: Angali Subedi, republica,3 July 2012