During a recent two day refresher training in Islamabad, organized by Individual with the support of CPDI and the European Union, trainer Saifullah Koso asked an important question.What changes do you see in the media since your last training?

While many participants from KP and Balochistan answered quickly, the question made me think deeply. Earlier, I believed I knew everything about journalism. But after one and a half years of reading books and learning from journalism teachers, I realized that I am still learning and have much more to understand.

The biggest change in media is the move from traditional media to digital media. Today, people use mobile phones more than television. Because the internet is easily available, news is now fast, personal, and easy to access anywhere.

This change has also affected journalists. Now a journalist must work like a “one person team.” They need technical skills, knowledge of mobile apps, and must also focus on one area such as politics, history, or sports. Journalism is slowly moving from general reporting to specialized reporting.

However, this change has also created problems. Many journalists try to do everything, but this reduces the quality of their work. Because of this, many media organizations do not pay good salaries. Only a few institutions, such as Dawn, still maintain high standards of journalism.
We also see new digital media organizations that pay young people well, but they work to improve the image of the state and are not fully independent like traditional media.

For students of mass communication and young journalists, my advice is simple: stay curious and open to learning. Learn modern tools like AI and digital media, but do not stop reading books. Reading helps build strong thinking and knowledge. A good media organization will always value a journalist who has both technical skills and strong understanding.

I am thankful to my mentor, Saifullah Koso, and the organizing institutions for giving us the chance to think about these important changes in journalism.

I would also like to mention Dr. Fazal, who is a very good and energetic trainer. He told us to reach the training hall at 9 o’clock sharp for “masti”. That moment made me happy and brought energy to the session. However, the worried faces of some participants are still fresh in my mind, and I cannot forget that faces.