Selected Works of Li Liangrong: Exploring News Reform

Author: Li Liangrong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Journalism and communication studies are emerging disciplines among the numerous fields of humanities and social sciences. In China, the study of journalism has a history of nearly a century, while the attention and extensive research on communication have also spanned nearly three decades. Thanks to the efforts of journalism and communication scholars, the discipline has evolved from being dismissed by some industry professionals as a "vain discipline" to becoming a "prestigious field." In the national academic discipline catalog, it has transitioned from being a secondary discipline under Chinese language and literature to becoming an independent first-level discipline. The more than two decades following the reform and opening-up have been a period of rapid development for Chinese journalism and communication studies. Research in journalism theory, journalism history, journalistic law, journalistic ethics, broadcasting and public opinion supervision has been comprehensively expanded. The study of journalism theory has also shifted from pure party newspaper theory to general journalism theory. The study of communication has been deeply integrated with sociology, psychology, anthropology, law, and economics externally, while internally it has merged with journalism, achieving significant growth. Research on fundamental theories of communication, the critical school of communication, as well as the study of communication and public opinion, semiotics, and other fields have garnered widespread attention. The study of new media and media economics has also begun to become a focal point. Journalism and communication studies have entered a stage where they intersect with other humanities and social sciences, fostering multidisciplinary academic development. The current prosperity and growth of Chinese journalism and communication studies are the result of the hard work and dedication of several generations of scholars. From the early 20th century to the present, the field of Chinese journalism and communication studies has passed the torch from one generation to the next, with each leading the way for several years. Among them, the outstanding figures are considered renowned scholars who have contributed to the flourishing and development of the discipline. The authors included in this series of "self-selected works" are the new generation of "renowned scholars" of Chinese journalism and communication studies who emerged after the reform and opening-up. Most of them come from universities or other teaching and research positions, are leading figures in contemporary journalism and communication studies in a particular aspect, and are distinguished scholars with extensive knowledge and a strong reputation. Compared to their predecessors, this generation of "renowned scholars" possesses the following characteristics: (1) A solid foundation in humanities theory; (2) A reasonably comprehensive and well-structured knowledge base; (3) Up-to-date knowledge of disciplinary frontiers; (4) Active and innovative thinking, avoiding rigid adherence to tradition; (5) Exposure to the reform and opening-up, as well as the integration of Eastern and Western cultures, resulting in a broad academic perspective. They are a generation of innovators and pioneers, surpassing their predecessors in excellence. It is a great publishing idea to have "renowned scholars" in journalism and communication studies compile "self-selected works." First, all the works are by "renowned scholars." As "renowned scholars," they provide a certain guarantee of quality, avoiding the confusion of choosing among the vast number of newly published specialized works. Second, all the works are "self-selected." As "self-selected," the works included are undoubtedly personal treasures that the authors believe will endure. There will be no waste of resources or misguidance of students, and it will significantly reduce the financial burden on readers and students. This will be highly beneficial for society, academia, and cultural development. I congratulate the publication of this series of "Self-Selected Works by Renowned Scholars in Journalism and Communication Studies" and believe it will certainly attract the attention and acclaim of journalism and communication scholars and students both in China and abroad. Fang Hanqi, Beijing, February 19, 2004