Crisis and Opportunities in China's Television Industry

Author: Lu Di
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Since the State Council Academic Degrees Committee elevated Journalism and Communication to a first-tier discipline in 1997, the discipline has made remarkable progress, posing new and higher demands for teaching, research, and academic publishing. Following the launch of the "21st Century Series of Journalism and Communication Textbooks" by China Renmin University Press in 1999, over a dozen publishers such as Beijing Broadcasting University Press, Huaxia Publishing House, Nanjing University Press, Social Sciences Academic Press, and Xinhua Publishing House have introduced textbooks and translated works of classic international scholars in Journalism and Communication. However, few monographs that signify the academic level of the discipline or reflect the latest domestic research achievements have emerged. During the same period, Journalism and Communication education in China has made significant strides. The number of professional programs in Journalism and Communication surged from 66 in 1994 to 232 in 2001. Statistics show that nearly 50,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and associate degree programs in Journalism and Communication across the country. Degree education in Journalism and Communication has also expanded. Currently, there are eight doctoral programs and 40 master's programs nationwide. A group of research-oriented institutions, such as the School of Journalism at Renmin University of China and the School of Journalism at Fudan University, are rising. The Journalism and Communication education at Peking University and Tsinghua University, characterized by high standards and multidisciplinary approaches, has opened a new chapter in the vibrant development of these century-old institutions. Beijing Broadcasting University has made remarkable strides, joining the ranks of top Journalism and Communication education institutions in China. The School of Journalism and Communication at Wuhan University and others are showcasing their unique charm and appeal by expanding their programs and research initiatives following the establishment of doctoral programs. Both academia and society eagerly anticipate these emerging forces in Chinese Journalism and Communication education to contribute new works and achievements to advance the discipline.
Since the beginning of the new century, with the rapid proliferation of new media as a breakthrough point, the collaboration between traditional and new media, and the growing active participation of hundreds of millions of Chinese in mass communication, the industry has experienced comprehensive and leapfrogging development. The public's use of mass media has never been more widespread, timely, and indispensable, making it impossible to escape the profound influence of omnipresent and all-encompassing media. Mass communication education targeting the entire population has become an urgent task for society, especially for educators in Journalism and Communication. Providing high-quality academic works in Journalism and Communication to the public has become a pressing priority for the discipline today. All this underscores the importance of publishing a high-level academic series in Journalism and Communication that meets the needs of discipline development, professional education, and social education—a task both academically valuable and practically significant. The launch of the "Journalism and Communication Library" is one such effort by scholars working toward this goal. The Library aims to bring new breakthroughs in the discipline: exploring new systems, arguing new perspectives, discovering new research methods, employing new discourses, and innovating in academic writing. In short, compared to existing achievements in Journalism or Communication, the Library's works should offer something new, speak in fresh ways, and radiate a spirit of innovation.
Innovation begins with the rejection of old systems, concepts, and practices. This rejection is necessary because theoretical innovation is the right of humanities and social science scholars, as progressiveness is a hallmark of Marxist theory and abandoning the old for the new is the only path to disciplinary development. Engels once noted that our theories are developmental, not rigid dogmas to be memorized and mechanically repeated. A Russian writer recalled that Engels urged the Russians—not just the Russians—to think like Marx but not to blindly follow him, but to adapt his approach to their own context. Only in this sense does the term "Marxist" hold meaning. China is different from foreign countries, the old China from the new, and the first three decades of the new China from the later two. Studying contemporary Chinese Journalism and Communication under today's historical conditions naturally requires methods and conclusions distinct from those of foreign countries, the old China, or the first three decades. Therefore, the "Journalism and Communication Library" demands that authors grasp the essence of the times, align with its demands, keep pace with its developments, and lead the way, using the theoretical courage and boldness of Marxism to delve into the social transition from planned to market economy, the complex relationships between the Party, government, media, and audiences, and to research new problems, seek new methods, acquire new knowledge, and discover new perspectives. This is the Library's purpose and its hope for authors. We expect every work and every author in the Library to guide readers toward the academic of Journalism and Communication, opening up a new intellectual landscape for them.
Innovation inevitably carries risks. The awareness of innovation and risk are intertwined. Innovation means doing what no one has done before, speaking words unspoken, or overturning what has been done or said. Such a rejection of old systems, concepts, and traditions, a challenge to conventional forces and outdated doctrines, and a critique of long-cherished views and discourses will inevitably provoke resistance and backlash from the old guard. Thus, scholars committed to theoretical innovation must constantly remind themselves of the risks involved. Moreover, given the rapid pace of social progress and the swift development of the media industry, the construction of the Journalism and Communication discipline appears relatively slow and lagging. In such a context, the correctness and scientific validity of some new perspectives and insights by authors in the Library may be difficult to verify. Even if some correct new ideas gain consensus among scholars and society, they still depend on practice and time. Therefore, while fostering a spirit of innovation, authors must also possess an equally strong awareness of risk. We call on society and academia to show the authors and their works in the Library the utmost tolerance and support. This does not exclude but genuinely welcomes critical reviews, as rigorous and responsible criticism is the truest form of appreciation for authors and their works.
Of course, the "Journalism and Communication Library" holds the responsibility of demanding that authors submit works of profound research, thorough exploration, meticulous writing, and genuine insights. These works may expand into new academic frontiers in Journalism and Communication, clarify certain old systems or concepts, offer policy recommendations to media authorities, or present fresh interpretations of overseas works in Journalism and Communication through the lens of Chinese language and culture. In essence, the Library should and must provide nothing but the finest works in Journalism and Communication academic research. The editing and publication of this Library adhere to the principle of "few but excellent," selecting three to five outstanding works annually from the extensive research of scholars at Renmin University of China and beyond. Over three to four years, it will grow into a comprehensive collection, standing proudly among the academic achievements of Journalism and Communication and even the broader humanities and social sciences.
As the new century turns the page, China Renmin University Press, after careful planning and thorough organization, has launched this Library. I am deeply impressed and grateful for the strategic vision of the press and the collaborative spirit of the authors. I hope to work together with all of you to make this Library even better.