NIMCJ Ahmedabad

  There is a news report. And then there is a feature story. A news report tells you that a farmer in Vidarbha took his own life. A feature story takes you to his house. It shows you the cracked soil, the empty silo, the framed photograph of better days on the mud wall, and the wife who still carries a printout of a loan waiver scheme she never got to use. One informs you. The other makes you feel. For students of mass communication, journalism, and media studies, feature writing is one of the most powerful and sought-after skills you can develop. It is the backbone of long-form journalism, magazine writing, digital storytelling, and even broadcast documentaries. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about how to write a feature story - from finding ideas and doing research, to structuring your story, nailing the lead, and finishing with a kicker that stays with the reader long after they have put the paper down. What is a Feature Story? A feature story is ...

  Think about the last time you texted a friend, watched a news bulletin, or listened to a radio jingle on your morning commute. All of these are acts of communication. And yet, most of us never stop to think about how communication actually works. Communication is the backbone of human civilisation. From the earliest cave paintings to today's viral Instagram reels, every form of expression follows a process. It is a structured journey that a message takes from one person to another. For students of mass communication, journalism, advertising, and media studies, understanding this process is not just academic knowledge. It is the very foundation of your craft. Whether you are writing a news story, designing an ad campaign, or anchoring a live show, you are always working within the process of communication. Let's break down the entire process of communication in a simple, easy-to-understand way. We cover all elements, models, real-life examples from Indian media, and clear expl...

In journalism, not all news is the same. Some stories demand urgency and factual precision, while others focus on human interest, entertainment, or lifestyle. If you are pursuing journalism or planning to enroll in a mass communication course, understanding the difference between hard news and soft news is fundamental. This guide explains: What is hard news What is soft news The difference between hard news and soft news Hard news example and soft news example Hard news today vs soft news today Why this distinction matters in journalism What is Hard News? Hard news refers to serious, time-sensitive, and factual reporting about important events that affect society. It focuses on: Politics Government decisions Crime Court judgments Economic policies Natural disasters Public safety issues Hard news is usually reported immediately and follows the inverted pyramid structure, where the most important facts appear first. Read More: Hard News vs Soft News - Differences with Examples

  Feature writing is one of the most creative and engaging forms of journalism. Unlike hard news, it allows writers to explore human emotions, storytelling techniques, and deeper context. However, many journalism and mass communication students struggle with feature writing — not because they lack creativity, but because they make avoidable mistakes. If you are pursuing journalism or a mass communication course, understanding common mistakes in feature writing can significantly improve your writing quality and academic performance. This guide highlights: Common feature writing mistakes Real examples of writing mistakes to avoid How students can improve Practical solutions for journalism learners Why Students Struggle with Feature Writing Feature writing requires more than just information. It demands: Strong storytelling Structured flow Clear angle Emotional connection Solid research Many students either treat it like news writing or turn it into opinion writing. Both approaches re...

  Effective communication is the foundation of journalism, mass communication, advertising, public relations, and digital media. Whether it’s a reporter interviewing a source, an anchor delivering news, or a PR professional handling a crisis, communication must be clear, accurate, and impactful. However, communication often fails due to various communication barriers. Understanding these barriers, their types, and how to overcome them is essential for students pursuing a Mass Communication or Journalism Course , as well as for professionals working in the media industry. What Are Barriers to Communication? Communication barriers are obstacles that prevent messages from being delivered, received, or understood effectively between the sender and the receiver. These barriers can distort meaning, create misunderstanding, or completely block communication. In simple terms, whenever a message does not reach the audience in the way it was intended, a communication barrier exists. Why Are ...

  After Class 12, one of the most important decisions for students and parents is choosing the right college. In a city like Ahmedabad, the most common approach is to select a nearby college - one that is easy to commute to and feels familiar. While this choice seems practical, it often raises an important question that many students realise too late: Is choosing a college based only on distance really the right decision for your future? This blog is a reality check for students after 12th - across all streams and career paths - to help you understand the difference between a nearby college and the right college. Why most students prefer a nearby college Choosing a nearby college is understandable. Students and families usually consider: Shorter travel time Lower transportation costs Comfort of staying close to home Safety and familiarity Peer influence or local popularity These factors matter - but the issue arises when location becomes the only deciding factor, while academic qua...