Introduction

Mass Communication is not only important as a subject but it has an immense impact in the lives of people, as every inhabitant of a society is somehow connected to newspapers and television. The Young Journalists Society (YJS) of the Department of Mass Communication provides a platform to students to learn, express and demonstrate their talent through mutual interaction during subsequent sessions of the society. This society provides an opportunity to the students to explore the unknown and to express their views and ideas in the form of article and report writing on different issues. Society organizes many lectures, presentations, visits to media organizations and workshops through out the year. Many members of the society are now working in leading media organizations. Membership of the society is open for all students of GCU in the beginning of new academic session.

News & Events

YJS ORGANIZES Inter-University Documentary Making Competition on social issues

GCU Lahore Young Journalist Society Monday organized Inter-University Documentary Making Competition 2010 on the theme of Social Issues. Above 70 amateur producers and directors from ten educational institutions including University of the Punjab, FC College University, University of South Asia, and Allama Iqbal Medical College took part in the competition and presented documentaries on prevailing social issues including terrorism, pick-pocketing and poverty    .

Fatima Jinnah College for Girls won the competition for their documentary “Zindagi Tamasha Bani”. The documentary showed the darker side of the life of ignored individuals (eunuchs) who have been rejected by the society socially, politically and economically. The ten minute documentary also includes interviews of eunuchs which were based on very bold questions. National College of Arts “JAM” bagged the second position in which the dilemma of traffic mess in Lahore was highlighted. The documentary also includes the interviews of traffic wardens and drivers belong to various age groups.  Showing the perceptions of various individuals in the documentary, attempt was made to rectify the traffic system and the psyche of drivers. The third position in the competition was secured by the Lahore College for Women University for their documentary titled “A by Standard by the Way”. The documentary shows the agony of child labour. It depicts how the talented children of this country are forced to work at an early age. Instead of having books in their hands, our society gave them filth to collect with their small hands. Education is not less than a dream for them. In a society where we see people anticipating to eradicate child labour, the documentary was an eye opening reality.

Prof. Mirza Ather Baig Chairperson Phiolosophy department GCU Lahore, Senior Producer GEO TV Agha Iqrar Haroon and Dr. Farhan Ebadat Yar Khan adjudicated the competition. 

Agha Iqrar Haroon while addressing the audience said the future of journalism in the country seems to be bright as the amateur artists have showed high professionalism in the making of the documentaries. He expressed pleasure that the amateur directors and producers have strong command on camera and on other technicalities. “  

GCU Dean Prof. Dr Khalid Pervaiz congratulated the team YJS for bringing young producers and directors from various educational institutions to the arena where they competed to gain supremacy in documentary making over each other. He also appreciated Fatima Jinnah College for Girls depicted a highly sensitive issue with great perfection. At the end the Dean distributed prizes to the winner teams.

(13-07-2010)

GCU YOUNG JOURNALISTS HOLD ESSAY WRITING CONTEST

The Young Journalists Society has organised the Essay Writing Competition 2010 to test the writing skills of the university students. As many as 80 students from various academic departments took part in the competition and produced masterpieces on the topics of “Does the element of social responsibility exist in Pak media?”, “Eastern Media versus Western Media’ and ‘Mobile Phones – boon or bane’?

In English category, Amina Obaid Khwaja of Psychology Department secured the first prize while Fawad Ali of Bio-Technology and Salman Mehmood of Physics Department declared second and third respectively. In Urdu essays, Hafsa Riaz declared first whereas Saira Razzaq and Syed Jamal Pasha secured second and third positions respectively.

Addressing the prize distribution ceremony, Prof. Dr. Khalid Pervez Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences said that the competitions were a great way to build confidence, appreciate talent, and help to create new innovative ideas, while contributing to life growth. He congratulated the winners and appreciated the YJS for organising the competition.

(24-06-2010)

YJS ORGANIZES A LECTURE OF IMTIAZ ALAM ON TOPIC “IS FREEDOM OF MEDA-A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY?”

Young Journalists Society (YJS) of Mass Communication Department has started its journey of year 2010, by organizing a special lecture in the wake of country’s socio-economic and political condition on the topic “Is Freedom of Meda-A Threat to Democracy?” Director SAFMA (South Asia Free Media Association), Imtiaz Alam delivered the lecture at Sir Fazl-e-Hussain Reading Room.

The core objective behind organizing a lecture by media oriented society of GCU on the crucial issue like the one being mentioned is basically to come up with the solutions of the problems which are destroying the peace of our country, to assess the working of free media in the prevailing scenario and to what extent the freedom of media is justified. Imtiaz Alam, while sharing his views on the Freedom of Media and assessing the performance of Pakistani Media described the freedom of media in two categories. Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Khalid Pervaiz graced the occasion with his esteemed presence as the Chief Guest. Imtiaz Alam also took questions from the audience and in the light of his invaluable experience, gave answers in terms of current socio-economic fiasco of the country and what steps should be taken to counter the prevailing crises.

(12-05-2010)

EK DIN SOHAIL WARRAICH KE SATH IN GCU

Young Journalists Society of Mass Communication Department organized another lecture; an eye opening session famous Anchor person of “Ek Din Geo Ke Sath”, Sohail Warraich. Being a media oriented society; YJS conducted a special lecture on the topic of “Kya Media Apni Hudood Se Tajawaz Tou Nahi Kar Raha” in the larger interest of country’s solidarity and the freedom of media.

While addressing the audience, Mr. Sohail Warraich categorically defined the role of media before and after 1985. He discussed the workings of media in the times of military rule as compared to the civilian rule in which “democracy” was believed to exist. He said that “Pakistani journalists are working for foreign news agencies including myself”. When question was asked about his parody in various programs, he expressed gladness that parody is done of the recognized personalities and he feels honor to be recognized for his distinct style of interviewing people.

(12-05-2010)

TRIBUTE TO POET OF THE EAST BY YJS

Young Journalists Society paid tribute to the revolutionary teachings of the Great poet and Philosopher Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal by holding a special lecture on the topic “Iqbal Bare Share Kyoun?” Principal Scholar Iqbal Academy, Pakistan Ahmad Javid was invited to deliver the special lecture. It was an honor for the students of YJS and GCU to have a well learned personality like Mr. Ahmad Javid with them who has a life long research on “Iqbaliyat”, and two of his programs on GEO T.V, Alif and Hamza-Nama are well acclaimed. Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Khalid Pervaiz graced the occasion as a Chief Guest.

Ahmad Javid, while addressing the audience, comprehensively discussed the important yet distinctive aspects of Iqbal’s personality which gives him a unique place in the history and we regard him as a great poet. He said, before becoming a great poet and a great philosopher, Iqbal first became a great man. He told the audience that if one goes for the satisfaction of his philosophical and spiritual nature, there would be a definite change in him.

(12-05-2010)

Special Lecture on “The Role of Media as Fourth Pillar of State”

YJS successfully conducted its fourth event; a special lecture on the “Role of Media as the Fourth Pillar of State in current scenario “at Noon Meem Rashid Hall by Dr. Mehdi Hassan Dean School of Media and Communication BNU, Lahore. Prof. Mirza Athar Baig graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

While addressing the audience, Dr. Mehdi Hassan comprehensively described and assessed the role of media ever since Pakistan achieved independence in 1947. He highlighted the role of newspapers and radio during the 1965 and 1971. Prof. Mirza Athar Baig expressed his views and thanked Dr. Mehdi Hassan for delivering a special lecture in the wake of burning issue. Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Khalid Pervaiz expressed the desire to see the Society organizing many more thoughtful and constructive events.

(12-05-2010)

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF YJS

The following appointments are made by Young Journalists Society of Mass Communication Department GC University, Lahore for the session 2009-10.

(23-11-2009)

GCU’s YJS AND Mass Communications students VISITS DUNYA TV AND GEO LAHORE CENTRES

The students of Young Journalists Society and Department of Mass Communication of Government College University Lahore visited GEO AND DUNYA Television. 26 students visited the channels under the supervision of In-charge Young Journalists Society Zubair Shafiq Jatoi. The purpose of this visit was to get the students of GCU exposed to various departments of GEO and their functions. The ‘Young Journalists’ got the opportunity to observe the process of production of news and various entertainment programs of both channels.

During their visit to GEO TV, the In-charge Current Affairs Lahore Agha Iqrar Haroon led the students to various departments. He said to the students, ‘Journalism requires passion and enthusiasm. A journalist should not only keep him or herself ready for any responsibility but also not to be restricted to time and space”. The GCU’s delegation visited news rooms, infotainment section, entertainment section and non-linear editing section etc. They also had the opportunity to see and interact with various GEO professionals like Rauf Afaq, Nadia Siddique and Abdul Rauf; the anchor person of program ‘Pachaas Minute’.

Later on students visited DUNYA TV and its various departments. The Young Journalists also had an individual session with Absar Alam, the head of News and Current Affairs of Dunya TV who discussed various aspects of media profession.

At the end Young Journalists Society and students of Mass Communication thanked the teams of both channels and presented them GCU’s brochures as souvenirs.

(04-04-2009)

Duty of Journalist is as important as the duty of a doctor: Simi Raheal

Young Journalists Society of Government College University organized a special lecture on media by renowned artist Simi Raheal. The lecture was aimed to provide the prospective journalists an opportunity to share ideas with media professional. Addressing the students, Simi Raheal said that women are playing a key role in media no matter on screen or off screen. “We all know that just 10 years back more than 90 percent of the writers, directors, anchor persons, journalists etc were male but now 85% of anchors are women”, she said,  media is more powerful than politics and war and can be the initiator of social as well as economic development in our society. It is journalists’ responsibility to distinguish between good and bad, right and wrong. She advised young journalists to not to promote the news which are against the national interest for the sake of their personal interest. Responding to a question she said the Soap which are being shown on Indian channels are damaging the cultural and moral values of our society.  She further said that Violence against women is still an issue. Some journalists used to provide women violence to meet their personal interests and to get fame. Simi said, ‘the only reason for Pakistan to be more victimized by western media is that we are being funded by the west”. She advised young journalists to percept well and get think beyond the preconceived stereotypes of our society. “Duty of Journalist is as important as the duty of a doctor” she added, it can also damage some one’s life. She also appreciated the efforts of the official bearers of YJS for organizing informative activities.

GCU PRO and YJS Report

(21-03-2009)

YOUNG JOURNALISTS SOCIETY VISITS PTV AND FM103

Young Journalists Society (YJS) visited Pakistan Television Lahore Centre and FM 103. As many as 25 students of YJS and Mass Communication visited the channels. The group was led by the In-charge Young Journalists Society Zubair Shafiq Jatoi and Najeeb Riasat. The Public Relations Officer of Pakistan Television Mr. Hayat Saif gave a brief introduction of PTV and guided the students to various units of PTV. The students visited Studio A, B & D of PTV where they had the opportunity to discuss about cameras, lights and set designing by the experts. Later on they were exposed to the pre and post production of various PTV programmes, News Room, and recording processes etc. They also observed the recording of famous PTV programme ‘Meena Bazar’. Later on students visited the radio station of FM 103 where Mr. Ayaz Ahmed producer briefed the students about the FM Radio programs and the departments of FM 103 that includes the live studio and production department.

(18-03-2009)

HMC AND YJS JOINTLY ORGANIZES LECTURE ON Sustainable Mountain Development

The Hiking and Mountaineering Club (HMC) and Young Journalists Society (YJS) jointly organized a special lecture on ‘Sustainable Mountain Development’ at Fazal-i-Hussain Reading Room by the renowned anthropologist and old ravians Agha Iqrar Haroon. The Ex-Advisor of HMC Dr. Zahir-ul-Hassan Naqvi was the chief guest. He gave a brief history of HMC and also shared his personal experiences at the occasion.

Agha Iqrar Haroon in his lecture urged students to take interest in the geography of Pakistan and also to explore its beauty. He was of the view that students should do research and take interest in the history, culture ecosystem and biodiversity of Pakistan. He shared lots of information about the mountains and their beauty. “Mountains do not need anything except peace” he added “They need foot steps and victory of people but not wrappers”. He further said tourism has been reduced in Pakistan because of so many factors but it is now our responsibility for its revival. He presented a Vienna Technical University Research Report prepared with the support of Ecotourism Society Pakistan (ESP) on Northern Areas of Pakistan, for GCU Library. At the end the advisors HMC and YJS of GCU thanked the speaker and guests.

(16-03-2009)

YJS ORGANIZES A LECTURE ON ROLE OF MEDIA AND ITS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Young Journalist Society of Government College University Lahore organized a special lecture on 'Role of Media and its Social Responsibility' at Post Graduate Library Seminar Room. Mr. Atta-Ur-Rehman, the senior columnist Daily Nawa-i-Waqt delivered the lecture. He said that the basic responsibility of media was not to exaggerate such kind of news that could spoil  the Pakistani image at international level but to present news and information by keeping in view the national interest. He further said that media lacked investigative reporting and this investigative journalism is required especially on the social and economic problems of the common people.

Addressing at the occasion the Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Khalid Pervaiz the Dean Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences GCU said that media should also give due coverage to the social and educational issues as compare to crime and political news.

(11-03-2009)

YJS organizes a seminar on ‘Role of Media in Recent Mumbai attacks’

Young Journalist Society of GCU Lahore organized a seminar on ‘Role of Media in recent Mumbai Attacks” in Chemistry Seminar Room. The purpose of the seminar was to provide opportunity to students to discuss this contemporary issue with media professionals. Taseer Mustafa from Duniya TV channel and Dr. Abdul Karim Khalid, Head of Urdu Department, University of Education Lahore participated as guest speakers.

Taseer Mustafa said the Indian media showed very un-ethical approach towards this particular issue and proved its immaturity in media profession. In contrary to this, he appreciated the role of Pakistani media. ‘Pakistani media has been very responsible as compare to Indian media’, he said, ‘media should be given freedom but with some code of conduct’.

Prof. Dr. Abdul Karim Khalid also appreciated the role of Pakistani media. He further said there is a need that media professionals should also be taken in trust by the government on such a national issues so that to avoid any ambiguities that sometimes may cause some damage to our national interest.  

The Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Khalid Pervaiz Dean of Arts and Social Sciences presented souvenirs to the guest speakers. At the end, In-charge Young Journalists Society, Zubair Shafiq Jatoi presented souvenir to chief guest and also thanked the guest speakers. Chief Librarian, Riaz-ul-Haq Deputy Director Public Relations, Najeeb Riasat Lecturer Mass Communication and large number of students were also present at the occasion.

(05-01-2009)

THE YJS has elected its office Bearers

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The Young Journalists Society of the Mass Communication Department of GC University Lahore has elected its office bearers today. The office bearers 2008-2009 include:

(11-11-2008)

GCU DPR IQBAL ANJUM GIVEN FAREWELL

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A farewell party was organized by the Young Journalists society here in the honor of Director Public Relations Muhammad Iqbal Anjum as he is leaving for Canada to earn his Ph.D degree. He served the institution for more than a decade in dual capacity as a teaching faculty of the Mass Communication Department and the Director Public Relations.  Prior to joining Government College Lahore, he served as Deputy Director Public Relations in the Government of the Punjab..

(30-06-2008)

YJS arranges a lecture on “Western Media and the Muslims” followed by shield awarding ceremony for the previous year office bearers

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The Young Journalists Society of GC University Lahore organized a special lecture on “Western Media and the Muslims”. The guest speaker was Prof. Dr. Maskeen Ali Hijazi former Chairperson Department of Mass Communication of University of the Punjab. On this occasion, a shield awarding ceremony for the previous year office bearers was also staged. Speaking on the occasion Prof. Dr.Maskken Ali Hijazi said the most important problem being faced by the muslim ummah today is the western media which projects negative image of the muslims across the world. Talking about the information imperialism, Dr. Miskeen said that due to the technological advancements the western media, after the collapse of USSR targeted the muslim ummah to achieve their own interests. He said, there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, but it was the western media led by Americans that projected about the possibility of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq just to augment reason for invading Iraq. “Media plays pivotal role towards shaping the opinion of the society”, Dr. Miskeen said and apprised about the torture being faced by the muslims in Plaestine and Kashmir”. He further said that there are many national governments in the muslim countries who also help in strengthening the western media. Prof. Hijazi said many expansions in media have taken place over the last thirty to forty years. The institution like GCU should also elevate the mass communication studies to master’s level, he hoped.

Prof. Dr. Sohail Ahmed Khan Dean of Languages, Islamic and Oriental Learning thanked the guest speaker for his speaking on the important topic. He said that this is the age of information and we cannot aloof ourselves from media as this is an important source of dissemination of information. GCU would soon elevate the mass communication studies up to master’s level. The In-charge of the Society thanked Prof. Dr. Miskeen Ali Hijazi for gracing the event with his thought provoking and knowledge packed lecture to the young students of GCU.

Later, Prof. Dr. Sohail Ahmed Khan along with Dr. Miskeen Ali Hijazi awarded shields to the office bearers of   the society.

(05-01-2008)