KUALA LUMPUR: The rise of digital media has created more room for two-way communication, says a Chinese scholar, noting the use of the Weibo and WeChat platforms to gather feedback in China.
Prof Zhang Yanqiu, the director of the Africa Communication Research Centre at the Communication University of China, said news organisations now use said platforms, enabling audiences to respond to stories or share personal experiences.
“Such developments illustrate journalism’s potential to act as a bridge between the people and institutions.
“The essence of constructive journalism is not propaganda but participation, helping citizens see themselves as part of a shared effort towards progress,” she said.
Zhang, who is also the vice dean of the Institute for a Community with Shared Future (ICSF) at the Communication University of China, further cited a case in study where the Xinhua News Agency collected more than 120,000 online comments during consultations for a national education law, with some suggestions later reflected in the final policy.
Her study, “Exploring the Socio-Political Functions of Constructive Journalism in China,” examines how Chinese media use storytelling to highlight cooperation, explain policy, and strengthen social trust.
In her research, she underscored the irreplaceable role the media plays in bridging gaps and driving collective action.
“In-depth dialogue is needed and we must come together to explore how the media can be harnessed to advance national governance and strengthen global cooperation.
“Only through these conversations can we build consensus, align efforts and forge the synergy needed to tackle the most pressing issues of our era,” she said.
She further described constructive journalism as an approach that focuses on how societies solve problems and the role communication plays in supporting this.
“In an age of noise and division, journalism that focuses on solutions and shared experience may still have the power to restore the one thing the public needs most - confidence in communication itself,” she said.
