A two-day workshop on narrative journalism, News in Tales, was held on July 29 and 30 at the University of Hyderabad. Organised by Newsreel Asia in partnership with the High Commission of Canada, and hosted by the Department of Communication, the workshop brought together working journalists, students, and media professionals to explore storytelling in journalism as well how facts can be told with feeling, and how stories can go beyond headlines.

The workshop opened with brief remarks by faculty coordinators Prof. Vinod Pavarala and Prof. Anjali Lal Gupta, followed by a welcome address by Mr. Geoffrey Dean, Acting Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to India. Former CEO and Editor of The Hans India and HMTV Ramachandra Murthy was the chief guest at the inaugural session. In his special address, Mr. Geoffrey Dean highlighted the importance of the freedom of press in the country.

Vishal Arora, Founder and Director of Newsreel Asia, led the sessions alongside co-founders Surabhi Singh and Harshita Rathore. Through a mix of presentations, discussions, and hands-on exercises, the workshop took participants through the basics of visual storytelling, narrative structure, and field techniques. From camera settings like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to concepts like framing, focus, and sequencing shots—everything was broken down in a way that connected visuals to emotions.

One of the main takeaways was understanding the shift from simply reporting events to telling deeper, human stories. The workshop introduced the four-shot sequence method, which helps journalists answer key viewer questions while building emotional depth. It also looked at examples from the ground—like stories of drug abuse in Punjab—where visuals did more than just support the text; they became the story.

For many senior journalists in the room, it wasn’t just a refresher—it was a wake-up call.

Satyavati, a veteran journalist and independent documentary filmmaker, said, “I’ve been in the media for over three decades, but I’d never heard the term ‘narrative journalism’ before. And suddenly it hit me—this is how journalism should’ve always been. For too long, we’ve reported from the perspective of politicians and the powerful. But in a democracy, journalism should be for those who don’t have a voice. This workshop reminded me why I became a journalist in the first place.”

Another participant, Ram Mohan, editor at The News, shared, “I studied journalism 35 years ago. There was no Google or internet then. Whatever new tools I learnt, I learnt on my own. But in other professions, there’s something called continuing education—doctors, engineers all have it. Journalists don’t. This workshop gave me that chance. It helped me understand how to adapt journalism for a younger, digital-first audience. And narrative storytelling is one of the ways forward.”

There were also discussions around building trust with subjects, how to shoot portraits that tell a story, and how to look at interviews not just as Q&A sessions but as conversations that reveal deeper truths. Participants were given short assignments, including photographing human subjects and capturing emotion through stills.

The workshop wrapped up with a small ceremony where certificates were distributed. Dr. Satya Prakash, Head, Department of Communication delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of the High Commission of Canada, the Newsreel Asia team, faculty coordinators, technical support staff, and all participants for making the event a success.

More than just learning new tools, the workshop helped people reflect on their role as journalists—who they write for, and why. And that, perhaps, was its biggest takeaway.

Prof. Vinod Pavarala and Prof. Anjali Lal Gupta were the co-coordinators of the workshop on behalf of the department of Communication.

  • By Mahi Sharma, MA Communication (Media Studies)