Google as Market Information Regime: How Indian Students Choose a Journalism School

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session and Reception
  In Interactive Paper Session: Journalism Studies Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Expanding concurrently with the growing Indian media market is an equally competitive market for journalism education. This study examines that market, using in-depth interviews to explore the way in which Indian students choose a post-graduate journalism program. Situating journalism education within the context of new institutionalism, the paper suggests that in the absence of more established market information regimes (such as the U.S. News and World Report college rankings), Indian students use Google to sort through and assign credibility to various members of the journalism education organizational field. This evaluation process, furthermore, highlights a level of permeability that allows new entrants to establish themselves quickly and effectively within the field. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on the possible benefits and detriments to such permeability, especially when compared to the rigidity of the U.S. higher education environment.

Author

• David Bockino, U of North Carolina