Media Release

Mangaluru, Apr 24: The Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO), a constituent college of Nitte (Deemed to be University), is proud to announce its upcoming two-day international event, Media Conclave 2026. The conclave will take place on April 28 and 29, at the University Auditorium, Paneer Campus, Mangaluru.

Under the theme ‘From propaganda to peace: Rethinking media responsibility in global conflicts,’ the event aims to bring together industry leaders, academics, and students to discuss the evolving role of journalism in an era of global instability.

Distinguished speakers and guests:

The conclave will be inaugurated by Dhanya Rajendran, Co-founder and editor-in-chief of The News Minute, who serves as the chief guest. Joining her as the guest of honour is Prof Dr M S Moodithaya, vice-chancellor of Nitte (Deemed to be University).

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Nikhil Moro, associate professor and former director of the A Q Miller School of Media and Communication at Kansas State University, USA.

Event highlights:

The two-day schedule is packed with intellectual and creative sessions:

Day 1 (April 28): Features the inauguration, keynote address, two panel discussions, a poster presentation, and a cultural programme starting from 5:30 pm.

Day 2 (April 29): Includes a third panel discussion, an intensive workshop, and an award ceremony.

Workshop for journalists:

An interactive workshop on understanding misinformation, deepfakes and fake news in conflict reporting for the working journalists of Dakshina Kannada district is also a highlight of the event on April 29.

The workshop will be facilitated by AI for Digital Readiness and Advancement (ADiRA) of Data Leads Academy. S Kumar, an independent journalist will lead the workshop.

Valedictory ceremony:

The event will conclude on the afternoon of April 29 at 3 pm with a valedictory ceremony. Dr Suma Ballal, deputy registrar of Nitte (Deemed to be University), will attend as chief guest. She will be joined by Stanley Carvalho, an independent journalist and former Reuters correspondent, serving as the guest of honour.

Media Excellence Award:

A Media Excellence Award for the lifetime achievement in the field of journalism will be conferred to Chidambara Baikampady, senior journailst from Mangaluru on the occasion.

About Nitte Institute of Communication

The Nitte Institute of Communication provides a platform for media education and critical discourse. Headed by Dr Moulya Baladi, the institute continues to foster international dialogues on contemporary communication challenges.