Secrets of the media world
Alpha Arzu revels in a revealing work
IT'S not about a book written by a professional writer. It's about a book written by an experienced journalist who has been working with the media for decades. The book is titled Shadhinata Amar Bhalo Laage Na. The writer of the book is Probhash Amin, who at present is Editor (News and Current Affairs) at ATN News.
Along with two new articles in this book, the writer compiles his previous writings which were published in different print media. The book has been published by Oitijyo Prokashoni. The writer began his journalistic career in 1989 and has worked for the daily Prothom Alo, Bhorer Kagoj, Janakantha, Bangla Bazar as well as magazines like Bichinta and Priyo Projonmo. He has also worked with Ntv and CSB.
Being a journalist with thirteen years of experience behind me and also a journalism and communication student, I have hardly found journalists or academics who have written critically of themselves. In this book, I find the writer taking a hard look at the role of the media, particularly that of journalists in different emergency conditions in the country.
Though I'm not generally a book reviewer, I am really enthusiastic about writing on this work as I feel it could serve as a very good reference manual for young people planning to join this yet novel profession that we know as journalism.
This book highlights the aims of media owners—how they are using the media industry in their own interest instead of engaging in journalism. In the name of journalism, there are a number of individuals who have invested in the media just to keep a large number of powerful journalists in hand, indeed beholden to them.
The writer speaks about the role of journalists and their responsibilities through coming up with specific instances of how that role should be. He dwells in expert fashion on the relationship between humanity and journalism, the interests of the nation in juxtaposition with the interests of media owners.
Media and communication academics and experts, aspirant journalists and working journalists as well as media owners or investors should read this book for the insights it throws into the profession of journalism as a whole. It is an important point of reference for the journalism and communication sectors.
One wonders how a 199-page book could give us education or knowledge equal to a four-year graduation or diploma course or how a book helps new journalists to learn about their responsibilities, their definitive role in journalism.
Alpha Arzu is a journalist.
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