China Communication University Comments (First Issue)

Author: Zhang Guoliang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: Time flies like a shooting star, and days pass like the turning of pages. Synchronized with the reform and opening-up, the introduction of communication studies to China has marked a full quarter-century! Over 25 years, the journey of this discipline from nonexistence to existence, from small to large, and from twists to brightness convincingly demonstrates that the growth of a discipline and the development of academia indeed follow objective laws, unaffected by the subjective will of individuals. On one hand, the advent of the information age, the formation of the network society, and the globalization of the economy—world trends that mutually reinforce and cause each other—have collectively constructed the grand backdrop for the sustained prosperity of communication science and the vast platform for communication scholars to showcase their talents. On the other hand, the accumulation of knowledge and ideas, the interaction between practice and theory, the exchanges and collaborations among domestic and international peers, and the collisions and interactions between related disciplines have continuously elevated the standards of this field, including fostering the growth of its research and educational forces. Thus, we are delighted to witness a series of progress trajectories: from the establishment of communication studies courses, master's and doctoral programs, and undergraduate majors, to the publication of numerous papers, monographs, and translations, as well as the holding of various domestic and international seminars, to the founding of the National Communication Association, the establishment of national key research bases, and the birth of national key disciplines. In just 25 years, such remarkable achievements can be called "the water reaching the channel," yet we must not forget to "think of the source when drinking water." Beyond the influence of various external conditions, it is particularly important to emphasize that the efforts of many pioneers have been condensed within this. From this, we can derive the following two insights:
First, as scholars, we should always maintain a humble mindset, for the wisdom and contributions of any individual are limited and merely a "star" in the vast "academic galaxy" (though they may vary in size and brightness). Without predecessors and peers, there would be no scholars, in other words, no possibility of our existence. Second, as successors, we should, on the basis of inheriting from the past, always uphold the spirit of innovation and strive to surpass our predecessors. This is not only a good return to those who came before us but also the reason and value of our existence. Based on these thoughts, we continue to explore the direction forward. Thus, at the current stage where disciplinary construction urgently needs to be pushed deeper, we have identified a problem: to date, the field of communication studies in China still lacks a publication that—collectively publishes papers in communication studies, primarily features theoretical innovations in the field, does not discriminate based on the fame or status of authors but only on the quality and contribution of their work, serves China while closely addressing local realities, and looks globally while swiftly tracking international theoretical frontiers. In other words, it takes mature and authoritative international core journals as its model and shoulders the following responsibilities: to gather the essence of achievements, promote academic exchange, cultivate research teams, and deepen disciplinary development.
To this end, with the strong support of all parties, we have taken a trial step—launching this series of essays in accordance with the aforementioned guiding principles. It is undeniable that it still has various shortcomings, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. We believe that in the healthy interaction between the discipline of communication and societal needs, it will steadily mature, growing from a "seedling" into a "tree," step by step. Moreover, we hope that more publications of this kind will emerge, ultimately forming a lush "forest."
At this point, the indispensable "sunlight" and "rain" are the opinions and suggestions of the readers, and we sincerely look forward to them.