On 27th September 2024, students from the MA 1st-year Media and Communication program, led by their course faculty Prof. Mr. Akhil Raj, visited the Udayavani Printing Press in Manipal. The educational trip was designed to offer the students a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate process of producing a daily newspaper and to provide practical knowledge that would complement their classroom learning. Dr Padama Rani, the director of the Manipal Institute of Communication, has made a huge effort behind the successful conduction of the industry visit.

As they arrived at the expansive Udayavani building, the students were immediately struck by the fast-paced energy of the press. Reporters were busily typing up stories, while editors were deeply engrossed in refining content to ensure accuracy and clarity. The design team also took time to explain how they organize the layout of the newspaper, ensuring that both news articles and advertisements are placed thoughtfully to create an engaging and reader-friendly experience.

A major highlight of the visit was the insightful session with Mr. Aravinda Navada, the editor of Udayavani’s Manipal region. The students gathered in the conference room, where Mr. Navada shared the rich history of Udayavani and its commitment to serving local communities through its news coverage. He explained how the newspaper has stayed true to its roots, focusing on stories that matter to regional audiences. His talk provided a detailed understanding of the role of print media in shaping public opinion and building community trust.

Mr. Navada also offered students valuable insights into the challenges faced by print journalism today. He spoke candidly about the day-to-day pressures of reporting, writing, and editing, and how journalists must navigate tight deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and ethics. His words served as a reality check, giving the students a glimpse into the demanding nature of the profession. He also emphasized the importance of ground-level reporting and the role that local news plays in connecting with readers.

In addition to the editorial insights, the students were guided through various departments of the press, including advertising, reporting, and the design team. Each team member shared their expertise, offering a complete picture of how a newspaper comes together—from the initial news gathering to the final layout.

The second part of the visit was led by Mr. Venugopal, who took the students on a comprehensive tour of the printing process itself. He explained every step in detail, from the types of ink and plates used to the large machines that print the final copies. His explanation covered the technical side of production, giving the students a sense of the sheer amount of effort, time, and coordination required to bring a newspaper from digital content to a printed product that reaches thousands of readers each day.

The visit to Udayavani Press left the students with a deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into journalism. Not only did they gain practical insights into reporting, editing, and design, but they also learned about the technical complexities of the printing process. The trip offered a valuable, real-world experience that helped the students understand the importance of teamwork, precision, and dedication in the field of journalism. They returned with a fresh perspective on the challenges and rewards of working in the print media industry, armed with knowledge that will undoubtedly guide them in their future careers.