The International Journalism (IJ) programme of the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences (DHSS) had their "IJ Week: Journalism Next", which was a series of events from 20 to 23 of March. IJ planned a week long exhibition, a workshop, guest lectures, a movie screening and a free photo booth.
To begin the IJ week they held an opening ceremony and IJ student work exhibition in the CC323 gallery on 20 March. Year 2 IJ student, Zhang Yiyi, was the MC for the ceremony and discusseddiscussed the technological evolution, advancements, and where the future of journalism is heading in the digital age. She then introduced the President of the International Journalism Academic society and Year 2 IJ student, Luo Yuzi, who spoke about journalism before other IJ students shared their work in the field of journalism.
DHSS Assistant Professor, Dr Mark Hughes, who has had a 37 year career in journalism, began talking about how he first started his career when he began using a typewriter. He explained there was a lot of resistance to computers and the creation of the Internet. Dr Hughes discussed how the fundamentals that he learned still apply in journalism today, such as sourcing, being able to write clearly and effectively as well as writing content that attract readers. The increase of citizen journalists and the traditional job losses in journalism were also discussed during Dr Hughes speech. He explained how the Internet has caused disruption in the industry and took away income from advertising. He pointed out how many families don’t gather around a TV anymore as now most people have personal computers. New technology is more environmentally friendly as it does not require resources like trees for producing so many hard copies. Dr Hughes finished off by talking about his time working at China Daily.
Dr Mark Hughes explaining how journalism has changed
Dean of DHSS, Prof MeiHwa Sung, talked about how journalism is a profession to look up to and explained that journalists are people of courage and integrity. She then explained how the IJ programme produces student leaders and would like to keep up the good tradition.
Dean of DHSS, Prof MeiHwa Sung talked about how journalism
Dr Mark Hughes (Centred) with DHSS faculty members
Afterwards, there was another open mic session with the theme “What does new media mean to you and your life?”. The first student to talk was Year 4 IJ student, Wang Jingzhou, who discussed the convenience of social media apps such as WeChat because students can exchange knowledge with professors and other students.
Wang Jingzhou discussing the convenience of social media
The next student was Year 3 IJ student, Mai Haiyi, who talked about when she worked for a new media department last semester. She also talked about how to share information in a convenient way, release topical information and warned not to let WeChat opinions sway your opinion on things.
Mai Haiyi explaining about how to share information in a convenient way
The third person to speak was Year 2 IJ student, Yin Lanjing, who spoke about when she went to Zhuhai television station and they were trying to create a news app. She finished off by explaining that all people can be journalists.
Yin Lanjing talking about her time at Zhuhai television station
The opening ceremony came to a close with Guests were encouraged to linger and view IJ student work on display after the announcements, and were encouraged to take part in the free photo booth later in the week.
More from IJ Week: What’s next for journalism?
Reporters: Samuel Burgess (MPRO), Elizabeth Rodewald (GIR)
Photographer: Liang Jianhao
Editors: Deen He, Samantha Burns (MPRO)
