January
10-11, 2003
The Xavier Institute
of Communications (XIC), and Sabrang Communication & Publishing,
organised a two-day seminar, “Media and Communal Conflict”, at
the St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. The seminar was attended by over 250
students of the XIC from disciplines as varied as Journalism
(English & Marathi), Advertising and Marketing, Film Production
and Public Relations; besides media personal, faculty and
ex-students of the institute. The speakers included a panel of
eminent media persons Rajdeep Sardesai, (Political Editor,
NDTV), N. Ram, (Editor, Frontline, Sports Star, Business
Line), Seema Mustafa, (Editor, Asian Age), and Teesta
Setalvad, (Activist and Editor – Communalism Combat).
These
professionals have for years been in the forefront in their crusade
against the scourge of communalism that has ravaged the nation. The
objective of this seminar, “is to
discuss and analyze the role of media in communal conflict by a
program of reflection, discussion and action”, said
Fr. Myron J. Pereira, director of XIC, in his introductory
speech.
Topics touched were
varied :' Ethical and professional issues for the media,
audio-visual and print ', ' The media's role in the coverage of
communal riots', ' Politics of communalism on the sub-continent ', '
Stereotypes and misconceptions about communities ', and ' History of
judicial commissions '. The young and enthusiastic participants were
given a raw feel of the issue via:
