A Repor on

 

Mock Press Conference: A Real-Time Media Interaction Experience

 

 

24^th February, 2025 (Monday)

 

 

11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

 

 

Organized by: Department of Media, Maharishi School of Media & Animation, Noida Campus

 

 

Objective of the Event: The purpose of the event is to give the students a unique opportunity to experience real-time media interactions

Participating Students:  The students of BA (J&MC) and MA (J&MC) along with the faculty of the department, participated in the Mock Press Conference

The Department of Media, Maharishi University of Information Technology (MUIT), Noida Campus, in collaboration with IQAC, successfully organized a Mock Press Conference on February 24, 2025. The event aimed to provide students with a unique and immersive experience in real-time media interactions, helping them understand the dynamics of press conferences, media handling, and professional communication.

Distinguished Guests and Inaugural Ceremony

The event was graced by esteemed industry professionals:

• Mr. Avinash Raj, CEO of Mitwa TV, as the Chief Guest
• Mr. Raghvesh Asthana, Managing Director of Mitwa TV, as the Expert Speaker

Both guests shared their extensive industry knowledge and provided valuable insights on how to handle the media effectively, the art of conducting a successful press conference, and the importance of clear and strategic communication in the media industry.

The program commenced with a Guru Puja ceremony, led by Dr. Mudita Agarwal, Dean (SoC), in keeping with the university's traditional values of seeking wisdom and guidance before embarking on an academic endeavor.

Following this, Dr. Shambhu Sharan Gupta, Head of the Department of Media, addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of the event in students' academic and professional growth. He stated:

“Such events not only provide students with valuable exposure to the industry but also offer them a platform to enhance and showcase their communication and presentation skills.”

Press Conference in Action: Student Presentations and Interactions

A total of six student teams participated in the Mock Press Conference, each presenting innovative business ideas and media strategies. The event was filled with engaging discussions, where students took on the role of both speakers and media professionals.

The media students posed thought-provoking and challenging questions, encouraging the presenting teams to defend their ideas, articulate their vision, and justify their business strategies. This interaction simulated a real-world press conference, allowing students to experience the pressurized yet dynamic environment of handling media queries and public scrutiny.

Each team demonstrated exceptional confidence, communication skills, and strategic thinking, making the event highly engaging and intellectually stimulating. The session not only tested their preparedness and critical thinking skills but also provided invaluable lessons in public speaking, crisis management, and media relations.

Impact and Learning Outcomes

The Mock Press Conference was an exciting, interactive, and practical learning experience, designed to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the competitive media industry. The event successfully bridged the gap between theoretical learning and practical implementation, preparing students for real-world scenarios in journalism, public relations, and corporate communications.

A total of 55 students actively participated, either as press conference speakers or media professionals, making it a highly engaging and enriching experience.

Strategic Collaboration: MoU Signing with Mahua Network

An additional milestone of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Maharishi University and Mahua Network Private Limited. This collaboration is set to provide students with valuable opportunities for internships, industry exposure, and future employment prospects in the media sector.

Conclusion

The Mock Press Conference was a resounding success, offering students an authentic simulation of media interactions and press event management. Through hands-on experience, critical discussions, and expert guidance, students were able to hone their communication skills, develop media acumen, and gain deeper insights into the industry.

Such initiatives by the Department of Media at MUIT continue to empower students with industry-relevant skills, helping them transition from academia to successful careers in media, journalism, and corporate communication.