Coordinator
Prof. LEE, Lap Fung Francis
Professor,
School of Journalism and Communication,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
In the past two decades, the sustainability of journalism has been challenged by technological transformation, changing political economy of the media industries, and worsening social and political conditions for news reporting in many countries.
Nonetheless, the world has also witnessed the continual relevance of diversified forms of journalistic works and the resilience of journalists under varying contexts. Meanwhile, journalism plays an indispensable role in helping societies achieve sustainable development through offering information and organizing public deliberation.
This panel brings together leading scholars from the UK, the US, and Hong Kong to discuss the key issues involved in the journalism-sustainability nexus.
Speakers
Prof. VOS, Tim P.
Director and Professor,
School of Journalism,
Michigan State University
A Model for Theorizing Journalistic Sustainability
Abstract: The theorization of journalistic sustainability is made difficult by the multiple contradictions it must accommodate – we must theorize both the technological and the human, the local and the global, the empirical and the normative, and the present and the future. These contradictions infect even the foundational conceptual task of defining our objects of study – journalism and sustainability. Nevertheless, mindful of these contradictions, this paper presents a model for thinking about journalistic sustainability, outlining four broad factors essential to addressing journalism’s sustainability. The first two factors speak to what we expect from journalism that we want to sustain: (1) Value, i.e., what are the social goods that we want from journalism now and in the future? Truthfulness, insight, and empowerment? (2) Reach, i.e., what is the impact we want from journalism in the information ecology? Are we satisfied with journalism adding a niche form of information? Is the goal that journalism would provide information that reaches all corners of the public sphere? Something in between? The value and reach of journalism might be construed differently in different times and places, but journalism will always require resources to function. Thus, the remaining two factors address constituents of sustainability: (3) Capital, i.e., what are the resources required for journalism – as we imagine it, now and in the future – to function? Journalism requires economic capital, but also forms of institutional and social capital. These forms of capital likely include some measure of legitimacy, trust, and autonomy. That is, people and other institutions must recognize journalism’s value and reach. (4) Humanity, i.e., can the work environment, and the technologies that accompany it, sustain the wellbeing of journalists? Can workers maintain a measure of value-driven agency? I theorize these four factors as constituting a model for journalistic sustainability.
Prof. ALLAN, Stuart
Interim Head in the School of Law and Politics,
Professor of Journalism and Communication,
School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC),
Cardiff University
Sustaining Visual War Journalism
Abstract: This invited presentation identifies and explores pressing issues concerning the lived precarities negotiated by photojournalists committed to recording the traumas of human suffering in ongoing conflicts. Professional and citizen war photographers alike are risking their lives to bear witness in often harrowing circumstances – some finding themselves deliberately targeted by the military – on behalf of distant publics awash in imagery fiercely contested across news sites and social media spaces. Many are intent on recrafting anew visual narratives to breakthrough the darkness of deception, recommitting to experimentation and innovation in the search for alternatives. To illustrate its arguments, this presentation will briefly examine recent case studies where civic activists and citizen journalists are capturing visual evidence to challenge official disinformation campaigns, and to make visible human suffering in war zones. In comparing and contrasting insights garnered from these case studies, this presentation will critically evaluate the prospects for rethinking visual war reporting and the communicative politics of dis/information.
Prof. LUQIU, Luwei Rose
Associate Head and Associate Professor,
School of Communication,
Hong Kong Baptist University
From Newsroom to YouTube: A Case Study of Chinese Journalists’ Adaptation to Online Media in the Face of Censorship
Abstract: This study examines the evolving landscape of journalism in the digital age by focusing on the transition of professional journalists from conventional media in Mainland China to independent YouTube channels. Driven by increasing censorship pressures and a desire for greater freedom of expression, many Chinese journalists have relocated abroad and established online platforms to continue their work. This research investigates how these journalists adapt their journalistic practices, content creation strategies, and audience engagement techniques in this new media environment. Specifically, the study explores the motivations behind their transition, including the impact of censorship, the perceived potential of YouTube’s reach, and the pursuit of economic opportunities.
The research analyzes the shifts in their journalistic practices, comparing their previous work in traditional media with their current YouTube content. This includes examining changes in content format, from in-the-field reporting to analysis, interviews, and talk shows. Furthermore, the study investigates how these journalists navigate the challenges of sourcing and verifying information without traditional newsroom support and how they address ethical considerations related to objectivity, balance, and accuracy in the less structured online environment. A key aspect of the research involves exploring how these journalists build and engage with their audiences on YouTube, focusing on their interaction with viewers and their content strategies for attracting and retaining an online following.
The study also addresses the lingering effects of censorship, examining the potential for self-censorship even while operating outside Mainland China and analyzing how these journalists approach sensitive topics related to China while navigating the risk of online harassment or pressure from pro-government actors. Finally, the research explores the economic realities of running an independent YouTube channel, including monetization strategies and the broader challenges of sustaining independent media ventures.
This research employs a qualitative case study approach, focusing on two prominent Chinese journalists who have successfully transitioned to YouTube. Data collection will involve in-depth interviews with the journalists and a comprehensive content analysis of their YouTube videos, examining the format, topics covered, and presentation style. Through these case studies, the research aims to provide valuable insights into the evolving nature of journalism in the digital age, the impact of censorship on journalistic practices, the role of YouTube in giving alternative spaces for information dissemination, and the challenges and opportunities faced by independent journalists in the global media landscape. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of how journalists adapt to the changing media environment and the implications for the future of journalism in an increasingly interconnected and censored world.