Chen Lidan's Selected Works: News Concepts: From Tradition to Modernity (Selected Works of Famous Experts in Journalism and Communication Studies)

Author: Chen Lidan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Journalism and communication studies are emerging disciplines within the diverse 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 field" to becoming a "prestigious discipline." In the national academic catalog, it has transitioned from being a secondary discipline under Chinese language and literature to becoming an independent first-level discipline. The past two decades since the reform and opening-up have been a period of rapid development for journalism and communication studies in China. 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 purely party newspaper theory to encompass general journalism theory. The study of communication has permeated externally with sociology, psychology, anthropology, law, and economics, and internally with journalism, achieving significant growth. Research on fundamental theories of communication, critical theory of communication, as well as studies in communication and public opinion, semiotics, have garnered considerable attention. The study of new media and media economics has also emerged as a hot topic. Journalism and communication studies have entered a stage of integration with other humanities and social sciences, marked by 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 carried on the torch, with each generation leading the way for several years. Among them, the outstanding figures have all been renowned scholars who have contributed to the discipline's flourishing and development. 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, serving as leading figures in contemporary journalism and communication studies in various aspects. They are experts with extensive knowledge, highly regarded in the field. Compared to their predecessors, this generation of "renowned scholars" possesses the following characteristics: (1) A solid foundation in humanities theory; (2) A well-structured and comprehensive 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, with broad academic perspectives. They are a generation of innovators and those who surpass their predecessors. It is a great publishing idea to feature the "renowned scholars" in "self-selected" works. First, all the works are by "renowned scholars." As they are by "renowned scholars," there is a certain guarantee of quality, avoiding the confusion or misjudgment that can arise from selecting among the vast number of newly published specialized works. Second, all the works are "self-selected." As they are "self-selected," the works included are undoubtedly personal treasures that the authors deem worthy of being passed down through generations. There will be no waste of resources or harm to students, and it will significantly reduce the financial burden on readers and learners. 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.