The CUNY Graduate School of Journalism is helping to develop a converged media curriculum for a new non-profit journalism education center that is expected to open in New Delhi, India this fall.

The International Media Institute of India will be run by the Washington D.C.-based International Center for Journalists in collaboration with leading Indian editors, who conceived the idea for the school after they had trouble finding skilled entry-level journalists to hire. ICFJ’s partner is the Society for Policy Studies (SPS), a non-profit Indian think tank that promotes debate on contemporary issues among journalists and concerned citizens and encourages quality journalism training.

The CUNY J-School will assist in creating the curriculum for the one-year postgraduate program, which will give entry-level journalists the professional and technical expertise to work across media platforms. The classroom environment will mimic a newsroom with students reporting and publishing stories. Top-tier international and Indian faculty will instruct the students on how to produce quality journalism for print, interactive, and broadcast outlets.

“In New Delhi, as in New York, journalists need to combine traditional reporting and editing skills with preparation to work in the digital era,” said CUNY J-School Dean Stephen B. Shepard. “We are pleased to be helping the institute develop that world-class curriculum.”

The school will place a strong emphasis on covering economic and social issues facing poor communities, who are often ignored by the mass media. Several scholarships will be available for students in need. All students will receive a laptop computer.

The institute is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

“This new program, with its professional and very practical approach, will meet the demand for high-quality reporters and editors able to use the new array of media tools and techniques,” said ICFJ President Joyce Barnathan.

The ICFJ is a non-profit, professional organization that promotes quality journalism worldwide in the belief that independent, vigorous media are crucial in improving the human condition. Since 1984, ICFJ has worked directly with more than 50,000 journalists from 176 countries.