Mumbai, October, 2024: The 6th edition of the Whistling Woods International (WWI) School of Media & Communication (SMC) Masterclass Marathon recently concluded, offering students a unique opportunity to learn from seasoned industry professionals across Public Relations, Digital Marketing, and Sports Broadcasting domains. The event featured interactive sessions, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and expertise. The Masterclass Marathon is an integral part of WWI Media & Communication programme to prepare its students for the evolving demands of the media & entertainment (M&E) industry.

The Masterclass Marathon opened with a session led by Mr. Shashikant Someshwar, Managing Director of Current Global India, who provided an in-depth exploration of the evolving role of public relations in today’s marketing landscape. He emphasised how the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the focus from traditional advertising to reputation management, with PR gaining centre stage. He discussed the growing relevance of storytelling in building brands and noted the need for media audits as a key component in assessing brand perception.

The second session featured Mr. Govind Rai, Co-Founder of Insomniacs Digital Pvt. Ltd., also an alumnus of WWI. He shared his journey from the real estate sector to digital marketing. His firm’s success, now a 300-member team with Meta and Google partnerships, stands as a testament to his belief in innovation and perseverance. Mr. Rai spoke about how standing out in business is key, encouraging students to embrace unique approaches rather than following the “rat race.” The session also delved into how digital tools have revolutionised transactions, especially in real estate sector, and stressed the need for continuous skill development in AI and digital platforms.

The final session, led by veteran sports journalist, Mr. Gaurav Kalra, offered a deep dive into the world of sports broadcasting. He reflected on his experiences covering global events like the Olympics, recounting the technical challenges of early broadcasting versus today’s advanced digital tools. He emphasised the transformative role of social media in creating real-time interactions between athletes and fans, as well as the growing importance of data analytics in shaping personalised content.

Talking about the event, Rahul Puri, Director – Academics, WWI said, “The SMC Masterclass Marathon is a vital platform for our students to engage directly with industry veterans. It exemplifies our commitment to bridge academic learning with real-world expertise. Each session delivered invaluable, real-world insights, offering the students a deeper understanding of the evolving M&E landscape, while equipping them with actionable tools needed to excel in their professional journeys. It’s a testament to the kind of immersive, career-oriented education we foster, where learning is dynamic, experiential, and directly aligned with industry needs.”

The event successfully provided WWI Media & Communication students with key knowledge and inspiration, preparing them for the rapidly evolving professional landscape.