The Dean of the School of Public Relations, Marketing and Advertising at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), Rev Yaw Gyau, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to enhancing practical journalism training to equip students for the evolving demands of the media industry.

Speaking during a working visit to the Multimedia Group Limited, Rev. Gyau acknowledged growing concerns from industry professionals over the readiness of journalism graduates. Many, he noted, enter the job market without the hands-on experience required to handle basic newsroom duties.

In response to these concerns, Rev. Gyau revealed that Block A of the National Film and Television Institute’s old campus is currently being redeveloped into a fully functional multimedia centre with both academic and commercial uses. The upgraded facility will house editing suites and broadcasting studios modelled to replicate real newsroom environments.

“We are restoring what was lost. Block A on the old campus is being transformed into a multimedia centre with both academic and commercial functions,” he explained.

“I can tell you for a fact that we are working on this seriously to ensure that students get the necessary practice—the practical dimension—that they need to equip them with the skills to do well.”

He further admitted that more attention is needed in the area of writing and newsroom basics, saying, “In terms of the writing and all that, we are very much aware of it. It is something the journalism department or faculty should work on.”

Rev. Gyau also praised ongoing efforts led by the Dean of the Journalism Faculty, Prof. Etse Sikanku, who is spearheading curriculum reforms to increase student exposure to research and fieldwork, complementing their theoretical education.

“We are confident that students currently enrolled will graduate with better skills and readiness for the job market. I'm very certain that in the next few months or years, the students who are there now will get a more enhanced research experience which will make them better,” he assured.

UniMAC says it remains committed to deepening partnerships between academia and industry as part of a broader strategy to improve journalism training outcomes and ensure graduates meet the professional standards required by Ghana’s media landscape.