Introduction to the Faculty Development Program
New Delhi. The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) organized a significant Faculty Development Program (FDP) in collaboration with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) at its New Delhi campus on Friday. The primary aim of this initiative was to sensitize faculty members from various institutions specializing in media, advertising, marketing, law, and management about the principles of responsible advertising, self-regulation, and the evolving media landscape.
The inaugural session featured key speakers including Mr. C. Senthil Rajan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar, Vice-Chancellor of IIMC, Ms. Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary General of ASCI, and Mr. Chandan Mukherjee, Director and Senior Vice President (Strategy, Marketing & Communication) at Nestlé. Dr. Nimish Rustagi, the Registrar of IIMC, was also present during the event.
During his address, Mr. C. Senthil Rajan stressed the urgent need for regular programs aimed at equipping content creators with essential knowledge of advertising codes and ethical standards. He stated, "Every content creator must understand the rules and regulations governing advertising. IIMC is among the best institutions in India, nurturing global leaders in advertising and communication, and such workshops enhance the skills of creative minds while raising their awareness. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting would be pleased to support more such workshops and programs to familiarize students and faculty with the ethics of the advertising industry."
Mr. Rajan also informed participants about the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai, aimed at promoting excellence in creative fields.
Dr. Anupama Bhatnagar, the Vice-Chancellor of IIMC, highlighted the importance of ethical advertising education and urged participants to incorporate these lessons into their teaching methodologies. She remarked, “We aim to enhance our students' creative abilities while also instilling an understanding of ethical values. Students should comprehend what constitutes good advertising and how to avoid misleading promotions.”
Ms. Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary General of ASCI, shed light on the significance of self-regulation and its relevance in the digital age. She mentioned, “This joint FDP exemplifies ASCI's commitment to ensuring consumer trust in advertising. Trained faculty will impart these teachings to students, who will become future advertising professionals. We are proud to partner with IIMC and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.”
Mr. Chandan Mukherjee emphasized the role of ethics in maintaining brand credibility and responsible advertising. He stated, "Advertising is not merely a means to sell products; it is a way to build trust with society."
Dr. Nimish Rustagi, Registrar of IIMC and a researcher in consumer behavior, noted, "The role of ethics in advertising has become more crucial than ever in the digital age. The power advertisers gain from analyzing consumer behavior data makes them more accountable. Ethics is the only value that can uphold consumer welfare and respect their autonomy."
The day-long program included informative sessions on topics such as “The Need for Responsible Advertising,” “ASCI Code,” “From Responsible to Accountable Advertising,” and “The Emerging Role of ASCI,” providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of ethical standards and self-regulation in the advertising industry. The sessions were conducted by Dr. Saheli Sinha, Director (Operations) at ASCI, who provided participants with an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of self-regulation in advertising.
Regarding the program, Ms. Namrata Bachani, Director of ASCI Academy, stated, “This joint mega FDP symbolizes ASCI's commitment to maintaining trust in advertising. Trained faculty will convey this knowledge to students, who will become future advertising professionals. We are delighted to partner with IIMC and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for this initiative.”
The inaugural session was conducted by Dr. Meeta Ujjain, Associate Professor at IIMC, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Pramod Kumar, the FDP coordinator. A total of 98 faculty members representing various institutions across India participated in this program.
