Selected Works of Li Liangrong: Exploring News Reform (Selected Works of Renowned Experts in Journalism and Communication Studies)

Author: Li Liangrong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Journalism and communication studies are emerging disciplines among the many branches 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, Chinese journalism and communication studies have 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 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 in 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, characterized by multidimensional 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 true masters who have contributed to the flourishing and development of Chinese journalism and communication studies. The authors included in this series of "self-selected works" are the new generation of "masters" 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 experts with extensive knowledge and acclaim in the field. Compared to their predecessors, this generation of "masters" possesses the following characteristics: (1) A solid foundation in humanities theory; (2) A more rational and comprehensive knowledge structure; (3) Essential knowledge of cutting-edge academic trends; (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 a broad academic perspective. They are a generation of pioneers and innovators, surpassing their predecessors in excellence. It is a great publishing idea to have the "masters" of journalism and communication studies compile "self-selected works." First, all the works are by "masters." As "masters," they provide 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 "self-selected," the works included are undoubtedly personal treasures that the authors believe will endure. There will be no waste of resources or harm to readers and students, and it will significantly reduce the financial burden on them. This will be highly beneficial for society, academia, and cultural development. I commend the publication of this series of "Self-Selected Works by Masters of 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 February 19, 2004, Beijing Yiyuan