Author: Guo Jun, Qiu Hongwei, Mo Fei

Publisher: China News

Date: December 17, 2024

On December 14, 2024, Jinan University hosted the Professional News Topics Symposium in Guangzhou, focusing on the intersection of professional journalism and humanism. The event brought together esteemed experts to discuss three newly published books on journalism, each offering unique insights into the evolving landscape of the media industry.

(At the symposium)

 Key Themes and Discussions

 1. Humanistic Shift in Journalism

Professor Du Junfei from Nanjing University introduced his book, The Rise of Journalism Humanism, which advocates for a humanistic approach to journalism. He argues that the focus of journalism should return to serving people rather than being overshadowed by technological advancements. Du emphasized the importance of the humanistic spirit in journalism, suggesting that it is essential for reconnecting media with the public.

 2. Media Integration Insights

Yang Chiyuan, President and Editor-in-Chief of a media magazine, presented his book, Media Integration - Ten Years and Ten Topics. This work compiles significant research findings, including reports on copyright protection for news works and the current state of academic journal publishing. Yang's book is noted for its readability and professionalism, reflecting on a decade of media integration strategies and their implications for the industry.

 3. Redefining Professional Journalism

Professor Cao Ke from Jinan University discussed his book, Professional Journalism and Deep Reporting, where he argues for a people-oriented approach to professional news. He proposed redefining 21 fields of professional journalism by merging depth with expertise, emphasizing that depth should be pursued through specialized knowledge. This perspective aims to bridge the gap between traditional professional journalism and in-depth reporting.

In-Depth Discussions

Following the presentations, a two-hour closed-door meeting allowed authors and experts, including Professor Lu Xiaohua from Fudan University and Associate Professor Gong Yanfang from Sun Yat-sen University, to engage in detailed discussions. The focus areas included:

- The Disciplinary Nature of Professional Journalism: Exploring the foundational principles that define journalism as a discipline.

- Humanism in Professional Journalism: Delving into how humanistic values can be integrated into journalistic practices.

- Teaching Reform in Professional Journalism: Discussing necessary changes in journalism education to better prepare students for the evolving media landscape.

 Industry Perspectives

Zhi Tingrong, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Journalism and Communication at Jinan University, highlighted the rapid development of the news and communication industry. He stressed the need for ecological reconstruction and the transformation of media's kinetic energy, advocating for a re-professionalization and re-socialization of the media industry. This perspective underscores the importance of adapting journalism practices to meet contemporary challenges and societal needs.

The symposium at Jinan University provided a valuable platform for exploring the critical relationship between professional journalism and humanism. By engaging with the latest research and fostering discussions among leading experts, the event aimed to shape the future of journalism education and practice, ensuring that it remains relevant and responsive to the needs of society.