Online Reporter
Hatred Zenenga recently in China
A DELEGATION from five African countries recently visited ChinaDaily, one of the country’s leading newspapers that has successfully navigated the evolving landscape of journalism.
Representing Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia, the group, which was in China courtesy of the International Department, Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was eager to learn from a publication that has established collaborative links with Africa to amplify voices and perspectives from the continent.
Housed in a modern building, that is undergoing massive renovations in the bustling heart of Beijing, ChinaDaily is a legacy media organisation with a global reach.
In the spacious Conference Room on the 6th Floor, the delegation was greeted by a high level team from ChinaDaily, led by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Mr Sun Shangwu.
He was joined by a diverse group of professionals: Chen Zhiming, Director of the International News Desk; Song Ping, Director of China Watch; Li Changxiang, Deputy Director of the New Media Centre; Shao Xinying, Editor of the International News Desk; and Yang Fang, Director of the General Department Editor’s Office.
The meeting atmosphere was one of collaborative curiosity. Mr Sun made his opening remarks, giving a comprehensive background of the publication and how it has evolved to survive in the fast changing media landscape.
Responding to a question, Mr Sun acknowledged the pressing issue faced by newspapers globally: the decline of print media as audiences shift towards digital platforms. Yet, ChinaDaily stood resilient, adapting to the changing times while maintaining its essence as a trusted news source.
“Yes newspapers are dying, but we are a global brand,” he asserted, showcasing the publication’s balanced revenue model that includes copy sales, advertising, and subscriptions.
Mr Li added, elaborating on the innovative approaches China Daily had adopted to boost revenue streams.
“We also create corporate videos for Chinese companies to narrate their stories in English,” he explained.
This not only diversifies their revenue but also strengthens China’s narrative in the global arena. The delegation from Africa was intrigued by the publication’s focus on news analysis rather than just hard news, reflecting a deeper engagement with the complexities of current events.
As the discussions progressed, the use of Artificial Intelligence in content editing emerged as an interesting topic.
Mr Sun highlighted the benefits AI brings to streamlining processes but warned of its limitations. “We cannot wholly depend on AI,” he cautioned. “It can sometimes be misleading as an editing tool.”
This insight resonated deeply with the African representatives, who recognised the importance of maintaining human oversight in an increasingly automated world.
The discussion session was both enlightening and inspiring. Delegates exchanged ideas on how to enhance their own media landscapes, drawing parallels between their challenges and those faced by ChinaDaily. The insights gained about balancing tradition with innovation, and the need for authenticity in storytelling, were invaluable.
As the meeting concluded, the African delegation felt a renewed sense of purpose. They left with not just knowledge but a vision for how their media could evolve in a digital age while remaining rooted in their unique narratives.
The experience at ChinaDaily was more than just a visit; it was a bridge between continents, fostering collaboration and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
