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Recently, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) welcomed Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) for an insightful guest lecture that brought real-world media practice directly into the classroom, with the aim of giving students the opportunity to look beyond the screen and into the realities of the media industry.

Organised by Dr Mohanaapriya Sina Raja (Part Time Lecturer, SoMM at APU), the session was delivered by Mr Ashanth Kumar, Editor and Producer at RTM, and was attended by students studying Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media and Communication Studies, and Master in International Business Communication.

Beyond Headlines

Drawing from his extensive experience, Mr Ashanth offered students an inside look at how journalism and broadcasting continue to evolve within a digitally driven media landscape.

He explained that modern newsrooms are no longer defined solely by traditional reporting, but by the ability to adapt quickly, engage audiences across multiple platforms, and balance speed with accuracy and ethical responsibility.

Extending the discussion beyond mainstream broadcasting, Mr Ashanth also reflected on his journey as an independent short filmmaker.

He highlighted how skills developed in the newsroom, including editorial judgement, structural clarity, and storytelling precision, provide a strong foundation for creative filmmaking.

By connecting hard news with cinematic storytelling, he demonstrated how media professionals can work across diverse formats, while preserving authenticity, credibility, and narrative impact.

Real conversations, Real Industry takeaways

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session, during which students actively explored a range of topics including media ethics, career sustainability, and the practical realities of independent film production.

Through thoughtful questions and open discussion, students gained deeper insight into the challenges and considerations faced by media professionals working in both mainstream and independent settings.

Among the key insights shared were:

1. The importance of developing multi-platform skills, including strong writing abilities, digital editing competencies, and effective social media engagement, to remain adaptable and relevant in today’s fast-moving media environment.
2. Using independent projects as a means to build a distinctive professional profile, allowing aspiring media practitioners to showcase creativity, initiative, and practical experience beyond formal academic work.
3. Upholding credible and ethical storytelling, regardless of format or platform, by maintaining accuracy, integrity, and responsibility in content creation across news reporting, digital media, and creative productions.
    

From observation to understanding

Overall, the guest lecture moved students beyond simple observation and towards a deeper understanding of professional media practice, as shared by an active industry practitioner.

By connecting academic learning with lived industry experience, the guest lecture provided a platform for critical reflection on the evolving nature of media work, and offered students clearer insight into the responsibilities, standards, and creative demands of current media industry practices.