Tumkur University imPRESSion-2026 Media Fest on May 18–19, Registrations Open for Students

NewsFlash Daily™

29 April

State-Level Media Fest imPRESSion-2026 to Host Competitions, Cultural Events, and Industry Exposure for Students Across Disciplines

Tumakuru: Tumkur University, through its PG Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Department of Journalism at the University College of Arts, has officially announced imPRESSion-2026, a state-level media fest scheduled for May 18 and 19, 2026.

The two-day event is designed to offer a dynamic and inclusive platform for undergraduate and postgraduate students across Karnataka to showcase their media skills, creativity, and talent. Notably, participation is not limited to journalism students, as candidates from arts, commerce, and science streams are also eligible to compete.

Wide Range of Competitions for Aspiring Media Professionals

The fest will feature a diverse lineup of individual and group competitions covering key domains of modern media and communication.

Major individual events include On-the-Scene (news reporting), TV News Presentation, Radio Jockey (RJ), Spot Photography, Poster Designing, Mini Story Writing, Piece-to-Camera (PTC), and Reels Making.

Group competitions will include Debate (Ceasefire), Quizological (quiz competition), Instant Advertising (Swift Boost), and Group Dance (Sync Steps) under the theme “Karnataka Vaibhava”.

Inclusive Platform Beyond Journalism Students

While speaking with NewsFlash Daily™, Sibanthi Padmanabha K V, Head of the Journalism Department, responding to what he would identify as the key highlight of imPRESSion-2026 this year, said that the media fest is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students from all streams and is not restricted to media students. 

He added that the organisers are anticipating over 300 participants from across Karnataka. Speaking about how important platforms like imPRESSion-2026 are for students from non-journalism backgrounds who aspire to enter the media field, 

Media Education at a Crossroads

Padmanabha pointed out that media education in India is currently undergoing a transitional phase, with several departments across the country witnessing closures in recent years.

However, he clarified that this trend does not indicate a decline in the relevance of media. Instead, it underscores the need for a shift in approach, encouraging students from diverse academic backgrounds to enter the field.

According to him, such diversity will make the media landscape more resourceful, inclusive, and innovative, and events like imPRESSion-2026 serve as crucial entry points for aspiring professionals.

Participation Guidelines and Registration Details

Students from across Karnataka can participate by presenting a valid institutional ID card. Each participant may compete in up to three individual events, in addition to participating in group competitions.

The registration fee structure is as follows:

1. Rs 100 per individual event
2. Rs 200 for debate and quiz competitions
3. Rs 300 for instant advertising and group dance

Participants will compete for attractive cash prizes, and the institution securing the highest cumulative score will be declared the overall champion.

Accommodation facilities will be provided upon prior request, and meals will be arranged for all participants on both days. Additionally, a cultural variety programme is scheduled for the evening of May 18.

Growing Relevance of Media Fests

Media fests like imPRESSion-2026 are witnessing increasing participation and recognition, as they provide students with hands-on exposure to journalism, broadcasting, and digital content creation.

Such initiatives play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practices, preparing students for real-world challenges in the media sector.

Registration and Contact Details

Students can register through the official Google Form:

https://forms.gle/EQcerLwaGZ9Nrm1K8

For further details, participants can reach out via email: journalismtut@gmail.com

Faculty Convenors:

1. Sulochana G.S. – 9743817027
2. Vishnudharan – 9353317427
3. Girijamma G. – 9620829643
4. Pruthviraj T. – 9743047810

With imPRESSion-2026, Tumkur University emerges as a hub for media talent, blending competition, creativity, and exposure, shaping future professionals and bridging academics with industry