Fict plans to focus on reality shows

The New Delhi-based Fortune Institute of Communication & Television (Fict) plans to extract the best of the booming entertainment and television industry.

"The television industry has grown at around 35 per cent amounting to Rs 15,400 crore in 2004-05. The industry has been the major contributor to the entertainment industry, worth around Rs 19,000 crore. Reality shows, community TV shows are also picking up very fast and have immense potential," said Reena Ramachandran, director general, Fict.

At a time, when most of the channels are outsourcing production of realty TV and community TV shows, Fict has decided to offer a course on the production of reality shows, Ramachandran said.

"The one year advanced diploma in TV production will equip the students with all the skills necessary for producing TV shows. Community TV is a new and niche area, which will grow rapidly in the next five years," she added.

In addition, Fict will also be offering an advanced diploma in television journalism, presentation and news casting.

"Students would be trained with the most modern equipment in actual studios. They would be made to face the real camera while using the tele prompter. Practical training of this sort, will definitely provide the student with an edge," added Ramachandran.

Unlike the MBA course offered by Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB) of the same group, selection for the journalism course is based on the basic instinct of the candidate to face the camera and communication skills, she noted. Fict also offers a dual programme - Bachelor of Arts in mass communication with a diploma in electronic media, Ramachandran said.

Fict will be taking around 30 students for the post graduate courses, she added.

Plans are also underway to tie up with international media colleges who already offer specialised courses in community TV, she hinted. Eastern India has been a major market for FIIB catering to around 40 per cent of students for the MBA course.

Fict has recorded 100 per cent placement of its students with the salary offered lying in the range of Rs 1.2-4.8 lakh per annum. Zee TV, NDTV, Aaj Tak, Doordarshan are among the major recruiters, informed Ramachandran.

Fict is promoted by Rs 350-crore Fortune group that has presence in several sectors including textiles, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and commodities exports.