Schools must prepare students for evolving media industry

The media industry is undergoing a profound transformation. With the explosion of digital platforms, social media, streaming services, and an insatiable demand for content, traditional career paths in media are no longer the only options for aspiring media professionals.

Media entrepreneurship has emerged as a viable, dynamic alternative, presenting new opportunities for students to thrive. The pressing question, however, is how universities can adapt their curricula to embrace media entrepreneurship and equip students for today’s fast-evolving media landscape.

As the media ecosystem fragments and content creation becomes more accessible, universities must rethink how they prepare students.

Graduates now need more than theoretical knowledge in communication and journalism; they require technical expertise, entrepreneurial acumen, and the ability to navigate an ever-changing digital landscape.

To remain relevant, universities should position themselves as incubators of media innovation, cultivating creativity and entrepreneurship among students.

To truly prepare students for the contemporary media landscape, universities must go beyond conventional teaching and overhaul curricula.

Media entrepreneurship should be a core component of media studies, with an emphasis on the business side of content creation.

Courses should cover critical topics such as digital marketing, media law, intellectual property, business management, and financial planning.

Learning the intricacies of running a media venture — from securing funding to brand building — will be essential for students aspiring to enter the entrepreneurial space.

Collaborations between media programmes and business faculties can further enhance students’ exposure to entrepreneurship and startup culture.

For instance, media departments could partner with business incubators, allowing students hands-on experience in pitching ideas, developing business plans, and managing projects.

Such collaborations help students grasp the business mechanics driving media entrepreneurship, empowering them to take the first steps toward launching their ventures.

Experiential learning is another powerful way to foster media entrepreneurship. Universities should offer opportunities for students to work on real-world media projects through internships, partnerships with media companies, or university-run outlets.

These experiences allow students to produce content, manage budgets, and navigate the practical challenges of running media operations. Universities could also establish innovation labs or media incubators where students can refine their ideas with guidance from experienced mentors.

Access to the latest technology, industry professionals, and potential funding opportunities would encourage students to experiment, take calculated risks, and create industry solutions.

Strong ties with industry leaders are essential to expose students to the realities of media entrepreneurship. Universities should actively pursue partnerships with digital media companies, content creators, influencers, and tech startups.

These collaborations can offer students insights into industry trends, access to cutting-edge tools, and networking opportunities with professionals who can guide their careers.

Mentorship programmes connecting students with successful media entrepreneurs provide both inspiration and practical guidance, helping students navigate the complexities of launching and sustaining a media venture.

To nurture future media entrepreneurs, universities must foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus by hosting hackathons, pitch competitions, and workshops on content creation, digital strategy, and emerging technologies.

These events sharpen students’ skills and encourage them to think creatively about real-world problems. Recognising and supporting student-led projects through awards and financial backing can also motivate students to pursue their ideas passionately.

— The writer is a Journalist and Media Relations Consultant