Populism, Power and Media Take Centre Stage at MediaCon 2026
Bengaluru, January 23, 2026: The inaugural ceremony of the 10th edition of MediaCon – the International Conference and Association Fests of the School of Communication and Media Studies (SCMS), St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, was held on January 23, 2026, at the University Auditorium.
Renowned film director Dibakar Banerjee, speaking on power and dominant narratives, urged students to intellectually prepare themselves for a rapidly changing socio-political landscape. “Students must arm themselves intellectually, as forces such as populism and authoritarianism will confront them as everyday realities rather than abstract political ideas,” he remarked.
Encouraging young minds to be ready for what he termed a “big bad world,” Banerjee emphasized the importance of self-reflection and perseverance. He noted that every moment spent “practising your dreams, flexing your brains, figuring out what you want to do and what you don’t want to do” would shape how effectively they navigate emerging social and political complexities.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Rev. Dr Victor Lobo SJ, Vice Chancellor of St. Joseph’s University. Also present were Dr Wajeed Sayed, Registrar; Dr Melwyn Pinto, Dean, SCMS; Dr Marudhu Pandiyan, Head of the Department, SCMS; and conference coordinators Shabin PK, Dr Rupa Peter, Ajay Chandran, Jenil George, and Suhas Srinivas.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the ethical responsibility of media professionals. “Media is power. Use it with care. What you create can divide or heal,” he said. Reflecting on the influence of cinema, advertising, and animation on public discourse, he added that “creativity is also responsibility,” underscoring the role of media in shaping society.
With the theme “Populism and Media,” MediaCon 2026 examined how digital platforms, legacy media, and alternative voices influence political discourse, public opinion, and democratic participation in an increasingly polarised global environment. Speaking on the theme, Dr Melwyn Pinto noted, “We live in a world of populism today,” adding that it has permeated various aspects of life, including politics. “Democracy has been turned into a drama enacted by populist leaders in many countries,” he observed.
The inauguration was followed by a panel discussion titled “From Gatekeepers to Algorithms,” moderated by Dr Naresh Rao, Professor at CHRIST (Deemed to be University). The panel featured Subash Rai, Digital Editor at The Hindu; Ammu Joseph, journalist and author; and Pranav MB, Communications Lead at the Centre for Internet and Society (CIS).
The panel explored how digital platforms amplify populist narratives. Highlighting concerns over algorithm-driven media ecosystems, Subash Rai stated, “The rise of right-wing populism is a serious problem,” pointing out that the shift from editorial gatekeeping to algorithm-based business models rewards outrage and amplification, thereby intensifying divisive content and populist politics.
The first day of MediaCon 2026 witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, academicians, and industry professionals, marking a strong and impactful beginning to the conference.
