Journalism

History of Journalism Faculty

Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication initially began its academic activities under the name of department of Journalism in 1372 within the framework of faculty of Literature and Humanities, in two sections: press and radio television. In 1390, due to the establishment of new management in the university and the change in its approach based on the need for independence and development of fields associated with the field of Mass Communication, Journalism and Public Relations, the establishment of an independent faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication was ordered again. Due to this importance, the follow up and launch of the Mass Communication Faculty was focused by the leading board of the university and after a lot of efforts and faculty’s leading board and university authorities’ hard-work and God’s grace, the responsibilities associated with Communication faculty was officially handed to lecturer Mohammad Nazari by university chancellor and started his independent activities in Hamal, 1390. Eventually, the faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication was formed in Balkh University.

The faculty currently teaches nearly a thousand students in three undergraduate departments (Journalism, Public Relations and Peace Studies) under 13 full-time faculty members’ supervision.

Departments

1. Department of Journalism was established within the framework of Journalism faculty of Balkh University in 1372 for those who were interested in such field and it facilitated professional Journalism training for youths. This field was underestimated by the ruling regime between the years 1378-1380, but it dealt with ups and downs and consequently, graduates of Journalism faculty from Balkh University were appointed to the national and international medias. The collapse of Taliban regime in 1381, brought a new perspective in the field of Journalism and media in Afghanistan and exclusive media was replaced by free media. Ministry of higher education of Afghanistan along with new developments, supported the development of this field by creating departments and in 1390 this department was upgraded to an independent faculty. We are hopeful that with faculty members’ efforts, Balkh University leadership board’s support and the help of authorities of countries that have friendly relation with Afghanistan and their resources, we can well contribute to train professional and competent students.

Public Relations

2. The activities of Public Relations department started in 1390 within the framework of Journalism faculty. Public Relation is a managerial function in a distinct way to maintain two-way communication channels, understanding, acceptance and cooperation between an organization and people. Public relations include the following functions: Problem solving, management awareness of public opinion and its accountability, define and emphasize management responsibilities in respect of public interest, helping management to bring changes and make effective use of it. Public Relation is a social and technical knowledge that analyzes different trends, anticipates their consequences and organizes leaders of organizations in the implementation of planned projects that can protect the resources of the organization and provide public benefit. Public Relation is a system for foreseeing trends and act to use researches and communication techniques that are unethical.

3. Department of Communication Studies has been established within the framework of the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication of Balkh University with financial support of USAID, University and Human Resource Development )USWDP( and with contribution of Nebraska-Omaha USA (UNO). The faculties of Journalism and Mass Communication of Balkh, Kabul and University of Nebraska took part in preparing the curriculum of this department to ensure that the program meets international quality standards and is tailored to meet the needs of the local and regional labor market in the field of Communications. Department of Communication Studies were inaugurated on 3 of Aqrab, 1397 during an official ceremony in the Balkh University Hall, with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Deputy Governor of Balkh Province, Balkh University Chancellor, Head of the Department of Journalism, head of the USWDP office and a group of professors and students, 80 students were introduced to this department in fall,1397 through Kankor entrance exam for the first time , which included 37 girls and 34 boys.