As part of the National Broadcasting Day 2025 celebrations, the School of Media Studies, Garden City University, in collaboration with Journalism Sphere, organized the third session of its week-long virtual seminar series on 23rd July 2025 at 3:30 PM. The session, aptly titled “Broadcasting and Propaganda”, featured an insightful presentation by Mr. Aditya Seth, acclaimed media professional, professor, and founder of The Indian Academy of Shorts.
Addressing a diverse audience comprising students, scholars, and faculty from academic institutions across various parts of India, Mr. Seth delved into the complex and often controversial relationship between broadcasting and propaganda. With a rich background in visual storytelling and media ethics, he illuminated how broadcast platforms have historically—and in contemporary times—served as powerful tools of influence and persuasion.
Mr. Seth drew upon historical instances and global case studies, including those from wartime propaganda and current Indian media practices, to illustrate the subtle mechanisms through which propaganda permeates news narratives, entertainment formats, and educational content. He underscored the ethical challenges broadcasters face today, particularly in navigating the tension between state-driven narratives and journalistic accountability in an age dominated by algorithm-driven content delivery.
The session was made interactive through a dynamic Q&A segment, where participants engaged Mr. Seth on a range of pressing issues—from the portrayal of ideological bias in televised news to the influence of recommendation algorithms on public opinion. His responses reflected both academic depth and professional insight, offering attendees a well-rounded perspective on the responsibilities of modern media practitioners.
This enriching seminar not only expanded participants’ understanding of media literacy but also encouraged critical reflection on the ways in which broadcast media shapes democratic discourse in the digital era.
Purpose of the Seminar Series:
National Broadcasting Day is celebrated on 23rd July every year to mark the first-ever radio broadcast in India in 1927 from the Bombay station of the Indian Broadcasting Company. The week-long virtual seminar series, organized by the School of Media Studies, aims to celebrate India’s broadcasting legacy and explore its transformation in the digital age.
With sessions led by distinguished media experts and scholars, the series is designed to:
• Foster critical dialogue on media ethics, emerging technologies, and communication policy
• Examine innovations such as OTT platforms, artificial intelligence in newsrooms, and mobile journalism
• Inspire students to actively engage with contemporary challenges and opportunities in broadcasting
The session led by Mr. Aditya Seth added a pivotal dimension to the series by exploring the intersection of media, message, and manipulation, reinforcing the vital role of media literacy and ethical responsibility in today’s broadcast landscape.