Shoolini Alumna Shares BBC Newsroom Insights With Students

Solan, August 23: Journalism is built not only on facts, but also on credibility, public trust and the ability to understand diverse perspectives, Shubh Rana, Assistant Producer at BBC News Hindi and alumna of Shoolini University’s School of Media and Communications, told media students during an industry-focused guest lecture at the university.

Rana shared insights from her professional experience in reporting, news anchoring and documentary filmmaking, giving students a practical understanding of how journalism works beyond the classroom.

Highlighting the importance of journalistic ethics, she said responsible journalism requires accuracy, sensitivity, professional relationships and an understanding of different viewpoints. She emphasised that building trust with sources and audiences is central to credible news reporting.

Turning to television and digital news presentation, Rana identified confidence, clear communication, body language and audience engagement as key skills for effective anchoring. Through examples from her own career, she demonstrated how presenters can deliver information with clarity while maintaining credibility.

The session also explored the creative and technical aspects of documentary production. Rana introduced students to shot selection, B-roll, montage and visual narrative, encouraging them to think beyond conventional reporting and develop stories through compelling images and sequences.

As a practical exercise, students were asked to develop documentary concepts and present one- to two-minute synopses, giving them an opportunity to translate the session’s concepts into story ideas.

Rana urged students aspiring to enter the media industry to continuously strengthen their communication skills, expand their knowledge and remain adaptable as journalism and digital media continue to evolve. She stressed the importance of professionalism and responsibility in building a sustainable career in media.

Prof. Nishtha Anand, Dean, Faculty of Media and Liberal Arts, said interactions with alumni working in leading media organisations provide students with valuable industry exposure and help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

The session offered students a direct insight into newsroom expectations while highlighting the growing importance of multimedia skills, ethical reporting and visual storytelling in contemporary journalism.