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. 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.
Prof. FANG, Kecheng
Assistant Professor,
School of Journalism and Communication,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Can Paywalls Support Mission-driven News Outlets?: Audience Revenue in the Greater China Region
Abstract: As advertising revenues decline globally, news media organizations are increasingly turning to subscription-based models for financial sustainability. This study examines the pivot toward audience revenue in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Through content analysis of six news outlets and in-depth interviews with their executives and journalists, this study investigates how the paywall model performs in the Greater China region. The findings reveal distinct patterns that both align with and diverge from Western experiences. It also discusses the variations among the six Greater China outlets. This study suggests that the sustainability of subscription models for mission-driven journalism depends not only on audience willingness to pay, but also on platform infrastructure, the regulatory environment, and evolving newsroom mindsets.