Where Would Journalism Education Go: A Roundtable Forum between Academia and Industry

24 October 2020


The School of Communication organised the ‘Where Would Journalism Education Go: A Roundtable Forum between Academia and Industry’ on 24 October 2020. Scholars and experts in journalism education and the journalism industry gathered to discuss in-depth ‘The Roles and Challenges of Journalism Education’ and ‘The Future and Opportunities of Journalism Education’.

Participants raised at the Forum many of the challenges faced by journalism education and the news industry in recent years and the implications these challenges have brought about. Issues heatedly discussed included the rapid transformation of the traditional news industry, fast-developing communication technologies, the recent controversy over the professional ethics of journalists, and so on. Participants also thought that technology should be actively integrated into journalism courses to keep up with the development of society and the industry. There was also an opinion that, while journalism acts as the ‘fourth estate’, journalists should take up social responsibilities to uphold journalistic standards, maintain objectivity and impartiality, and verify the authenticity of news, so as to restore the credibility of the news industry now being questioned. What’s more, apart from strengthening the training of students to groom their creativity, global horizons and capability with technology application, it’s also important to cultivate students’ empathy and proper attitude towards people and affairs, in order to meet the future needs of the industry.

Renowned scholars and experts in journalism education and the journalism industry participate in the event.
Renowned scholars and experts in journalism education and the journalism industry participate in the event.
President Ho thinks that both journalism and excellent journalists nurtured by journalism education play crucial roles in the chaotic world.
President Ho thinks that both journalism and excellent journalists nurtured by journalism education play crucial roles in the chaotic world.
Professor Scarlet Tso, Associate Vice-President (Communications and Public Affairs) and Dean of the SCOM says that current social factors have prompted journalism and communication educators to review their existing teaching and training practices.
Professor Scarlet Tso, Associate Vice-President (Communications and Public Affairs) and Dean of the SCOM says that current social factors have prompted journalism and communication educators to review their existing teaching and training practices.
Participants actively shared their views and experiences on the challenges and future development of journalism education.
Participants actively shared their views and experiences on the challenges and future development of journalism education.
Professor Clement So from CUHK School of Journalism and Communication points out that journalism education should adjust and adapt in line with the latest developments in the industry.
Professor Clement So from CUHK School of Journalism and Communication points out that journalism education should adjust and adapt in line with the latest developments in the industry.
Professor Yu Huang, Dean of the School of Communication of HKBU, mentioned that with the rapid development of technology, the journalism industry looks for talents with higher quality.
Professor Yu Huang, Dean of the School of Communication of HKBU, mentioned that with the rapid development of technology, the journalism industry looks for talents with higher quality.
Professor Peter Kwan, Associate Dean and Professor of Practice of Department of Journalism and Communication of Chu Hai College of Higher Education, says that professional training in hardware and soft skills are integral for journalism education.
Professor Peter Kwan, Associate Dean and Professor of Practice of Department of Journalism and Communication of Chu Hai College of Higher Education, says that professional training in hardware and soft skills are integral for journalism education.
Mr Chris Yeung, Chairman of Hong Kong Journalists Association, points out that students have to acquire core knowledge of the journalism profession.
Mr Chris Yeung, Chairman of Hong Kong Journalists Association, points out that students have to acquire core knowledge of the journalism profession.
Mr Ernest Chi, Executive Editor In Chief of HK01 Company Limited, stressed that journalists should be professional to maintain the credibility of the industry.
Mr Ernest Chi, Executive Editor In Chief of HK01 Company Limited, stressed that journalists should be professional to maintain the credibility of the industry.
Ms Mei Wong, former leading news anchor at Hong Kong Cable TV, thinks that keen interest and professional attitude are required for those joining the journalism industry.
Ms Mei Wong, former leading news anchor at Hong Kong Cable TV, thinks that keen interest and professional attitude are required for those joining the journalism industry.
Mr Cho-biu Chan, Executive Director and Publisher of HKET, says journalism education sector should communicate more with the industry so that graduates can connect with the industry quickly.
Mr Cho-biu Chan, Executive Director and Publisher of HKET, says journalism education sector should communicate more with the industry so that graduates can connect with the industry quickly.
Ms Sau-wan Cheung, Chairperson of Hong Kong News Executives' Association (middle); Professor Scarlet Tso, Dean of the School of Communication (right); and Mr Sin-yung Wong, Manager of Communications and Public Affairs Office (left) takes a group photo.
Ms Sau-wan Cheung, Chairperson of Hong Kong News Executives' Association (middle); Professor Scarlet Tso, Dean of the School of Communication (right); and Mr Sin-yung Wong, Manager of Communications and Public Affairs Office (left) takes a group photo.
(Fom left to right) Ms Mei Wong, former leading news anchor at Hong Kong Cable TV; Mr Danny Fung, am730 Chief Editor; and Ms Doris Law, Senior Lecturer of the School of Communication.
(Fom left to right) Ms Mei Wong, former leading news anchor at Hong Kong Cable TV; Mr Danny Fung, am730 Chief Editor; and Ms Doris Law, Senior Lecturer of the School of Communication.
Numerous leading academics and experts are invited to discuss the current status and development of journalism and communication education.
Numerous leading academics and experts are invited to discuss the current status and development of journalism and communication education.