DU gets its own network

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It is going to be a busy year as the soon to be launched Delhi University Television Network (DUTN) promises to revolutinise the campus. With three to four LCDs set up at prominent places in 80 colleges to begin with, the network will screen live sport events of the Commonwealth Games, placement information for students and campus buzz.
Talking about the channel, A.K. Bakhshi, director, Institute of Lifelong Learning says, “The aim is to create a network where all students have access to information at the same time. The genesis of the concept flows from the fact that DU is the largest university in the world with over three lakh students and 80 colleges. This is an Internet-based TV. The channel should start by August-September.”

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS
Bakhshi informs that the channel will give an opportunity to mass communication students and staff to conceptualise programmes and provide the latest happenings of the university to students. He says, “Sadly, many colleges don’t know what is happening in the university. Most colleges were functioning in their individual capacity and were dependent on print and electronic media for latest developments in the university. There’s always a lot going on within the campus, now the admission process is on and end of the year placements opportunities, the channel intends to be of help in such situations. Media students will gain experience, and as far as remuneration is concerned, we are yet to discuss that aspect, but at the same time, students should get incentives.”
Journalism student Nasreen Ghani from Kamla Nehru College avers, “I just hope it’s well implemented. Journalism and mass communication students can benefit a lot from this.”

WHAT’S ON TV?
There will be three types of programmes — education, entertainment and information. Bakhshi avers, “Education will cover information on new courses and programmes. Entertainment can have mass communication students showcasing their short films, documentaries and even college fests come under this category. We may not be able to showcase the live fest from more than one college, but students can compile one programme about all the fests. Information would also feature companies that will come to the campus for placements. The channel will also encourage discussion on various topics of interest to students.”

A PLATFORM FOR STUDENT LEADERS
When asked if this channel can be a platform for students contesting elections? Can they use this medium to connect to a larger student base? Bakhshi answers, “Yes, why not, however, it’s too early to comment on this, we are constituting an apex committee which will monitor the activities of channel. However, if this is approved, we could even have debates and discussion among candidates, this will also save money spent on the election process and save time as well.”
Sonam Khanna, English Honours student from PGDAV opines, “It will empower other colleges as well, who are not as popular. These colleges will get an opportunity to make other students aware of what’s happening in their campus. Sponsorships for fests are hard to come by as compared to how easily they come to top colleges. Also, during elections, it will help cut down on wastage of paper.”