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PULWAMA : Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), marked World Press Freedom Week by organising street theatre on Wednesday.
The street play-‘News or Noise?’- was performed by IUST’s media students and directed by Dr. Haifaa Mohammad, Assistant Professor, DJMC.
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Rabia Noor, Head, DJMC, said that the event aimed at generating awareness among people about the difference between professional journalism and sensational content. “The street play is likely to leave the audience with a simple takeaway that everything that appears on their mobile screens is not news,” she said, adding that news is something which is based on proper verification, journalistic ethics and facts.
Through compelling storytelling, the students highlighted the growing challenges posed by misinformation, sensationalism and the rapid spread of unverified content on digital platforms.
The play drew an engaged audience comprising of Controller of Examinations, Finance Officer, Dean Outreach, Dean of Students, Deans of Schools, Heads of Departments, faculty members, officials, research scholars and students, who responded with appreciation to the thought-provoking performance.
Addressing the gathering, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Afroz Bisati, said, in the current digital age, street theatre plays a vital role in raising awareness among young people, as its messages reach audiences directly and leave a lasting impact.
Dean Outreach, Dr. Ruheela Hassan, said, nowadays, anyone with a mobile phone, claims to be a journalist, which is a huge concern. “This street play has highlighted why training is essential for media professionals,” she said.
Dean of Students, Dr. Monisa Qadiri, said, there are many misconceptions about journalism at present, and it is the time that “we take the charge of the narrative and lead it towards a positive change.” Controller of Examination, Prof. Rumaan Bashir said such events are especially important in today’s social media landscape to help people distinguish between news and noise.
Prof. Mahmood Ahmad Khan, Head, Department of Education, said the street theatre is a part of experiential learning under National Education Policy, 2020, and a great learning experience for the students.
Finance Officer, Samer Wazir, said, at a time when misinformation spreads rapidly, such creative efforts help audiences understand the value of credible news and encourage more responsible media consumption.
Speaking on the occasion, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Senior Multimedia Journalist, working with Sheharbeen programme of Radio Kashmir Srinagar, said people nowadays choose noise over news, which the street play highlighted accurately. “This street play is a timely and impactful initiative that shall help address the growing misconceptions surrounding journalism,” he said.
The event concluded with felicitation of the students and play director.
