APU Students Step into the Heart of Astro Audio’s Newsroom

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As media organisations continue to navigate the demands of real-time reporting, crisis communication and digital content delivery, industry exposure has become increasingly important in preparing future communication professionals. 

In this spirit, students from the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media and Communication Studies programme at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently gained valuable industry exposure through an industrial visit to Astro Audio. 

Organised by APU’s School of Marketing and Management (SoMM), the visit offered students a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the fast-paced world of professional radio broadcasting and newsroom operations. 

Jointly led by SoMM Lecturers Ms Zaliha Idris and Dr Mohanaapriya Sina Raja, the visit was designed to help students connect classroom learning with real newsroom practice. 

Through first-hand exposure to newsroom crisis communication, content strategy, editorial decision-making and real-time traffic reporting, students were able to bring their learning in Crisis Communication, Journalism and Broadcast Journalism to life. 

Understanding the Pulse of a Professional Newsroom

Students were warmly welcomed by the Astro Audio team and introduced to the organisation’s newsroom operations, where they learned how news content is produced, verified and delivered to audiences in a timely and responsible manner. 

They also had the opportunity to meet Mr Moganadas Muniandy, Head of News and Traffic Operations at Astro Audio, who shared valuable insights into the operational structure of the newsroom and the challenges involved in delivering accurate and timely information to the public. 

Through a sharing session by Mr Syakir Baharin, Corporate Communications Executive at Astro Audio, students gained a deeper understanding of how newsroom teams manage breaking updates, public information and traffic-related news in a fast-moving media landscape. The session highlighted the importance of accuracy, speed, clarity and audience trust in modern newsroom communication. 

Learning Editorial Judgement and Broadcast Discipline

Guided by Mr Faisal Merican, Editor at Astro Audio, students were exposed to the editorial processes behind news production. They learned how journalists and editors evaluate newsworthiness, verify information, make editorial decisions and ensure that news content meets professional and ethical standards. 

The session also highlighted the challenges faced by media practitioners when reporting on sensitive issues and rapidly developing situations, where accuracy and public responsibility remain paramount. 

For students studying Journalism, Broadcast Journalism and Crisis Communication, the experience provided meaningful exposure to how newsroom theories and editorial principles are applied in professional practice. 

Another key highlight was the opportunity to observe Astro Audio’s real-time traffic reporting operations. Students learned how traffic information is gathered, verified, structured and delivered to listeners through radio and audio platforms. 

They also gained insights into the coordination required between newsroom personnel, traffic reporters and broadcasters to ensure information reaches audiences quickly and accurately. 

The session demonstrated the importance of voice delivery, timing, coordination, accuracy and audience awareness in broadcast journalism. 

Reflecting on the experience, Dr Mohanaapriya Sina Raja, a seasoned RTM newsreader and part-time Journalism and Broadcast Journalism lecturer at APU, highlighted the importance of exposing students to real broadcasting environments. 

“Industry exposure is essential for aspiring media practitioners. It allows students to observe how newsroom operations function, how editorial decisions are made and how broadcast content is delivered professionally to audiences. Experiences like these help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice,” she said. 

Building Confidence Through Industry-Academia Collaboration

Beyond newsroom operations, the visit also provided students with valuable insights into content strategy and corporate communication within the media industry. Mr Faisal Merican also shared perspectives on stakeholder engagement, reputation management, media relations and the role of strategic communication in maintaining organisational credibility and public trust. 

The session helped students understand how media organisations manage communication not only through news and broadcasting, but also through professional corporate communication practices that support organisational reputation and audience engagement. 

Himajasri Nedumaran, a Year 3 Media and Communication Studies student, described the visit as a valuable opportunity to understand how media organisations develop content strategies and communicate effectively with different audiences. 

“Through this visit, I gained a better understanding of how content is planned and delivered across various platforms. It also showed me the importance of corporate communication in maintaining a consistent message and building trust with the public,” she said. 

The industrial visit also exposed students to newsroom crisis communication, content strategy, editorial decision-making and real-time traffic reporting. Through this experience, they gained valuable industry insights that deepened their understanding of how modern media organisations operate. 

Reflecting on the visit, Valencia Kwenady, a Year 3 Media and Communication Studies student, shared that the experience helped her understand the importance of newsroom coordination during crisis-related reporting. 

“This visit showed me how important it is for media practitioners to verify information quickly and communicate clearly during a crisis. I learned that in news management, accuracy, timing and teamwork are crucial to ensuring the public receives reliable information,” she said.

Ms Zaliha Idris, Lecturer for Crisis Communication, emphasised that the visit enabled students to understand how communication principles are applied in real newsroom settings, particularly during situations that require rapid information management and public engagement. 

“This visit allowed students to see how crisis communication works within a newsroom environment, especially when accuracy, timing, message clarity and public trust are critical. Through direct exposure to Astro Audio’s newsroom operations, students gained a deeper appreciation of how media professionals communicate responsibly while serving the public,” she said. 

The School of Marketing and Management extends its sincere appreciation to Astro Audio, especially Mr Moganadas Muniandy, Mr Faisal Merican and Mr Syakir Baharin, for their warm hospitality, valuable sharing sessions and continuous support in enriching students’ learning experience. 

As APU continues to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, initiatives such as this reflect the University’s commitment to nurturing media and communication graduates who are knowledgeable, industry-ready and confident to contribute to the evolving media landscape.