The future of journalism education conference (Part 1)

Reinventing the journalism curriculum

In his keynote speech, Nicholas Lemann (right), dean at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, however, recognised the potential of the Web: "The Internet is the greatest thing that ever happened to journalism schools." Lemann was also keen to make the distinction between the journalism industry and journalism schools, many of which have witnessed a rise in applications, despite the problems plaguing the industry, he said: "Journalism schools are dependent on economic stability, which is not the same as profitability."

The results of a questionnaire on journalism education completed by the eighteen panellists ahead of the conference, revealed that whilst all agreed that core reporting modules were essential to any journalism programme and, more importantly, that newsrooms do rely on journalism schools to produce quality graduates, not everyone was agreed on the delivery of the teaching. There was a particular lack of consensus regarding teaching hours, with answers varying from less than 16 hours per week to well over 20 hours. The panellists were also split on the issue of journalism management, with one person commenting that "journalism does not live in a vacuum and needs to be supported financially."

On the subject of traditional media versus new media, Frédéric Filloux, editor for the international division of Schibsted ASA moderating the discussion, admitted he had some reservations. "I do wonder whether we are preparing [students] adequately to face all of the challenges inherent in the business today," he said, before adding that an industry estimate from 2008 suggested that for every journalist hired to work online, 20 journalists working in traditional media had reportedly lost their jobs. More surprising still, perhaps, is that despite many redundancies in journalism over the last couple of years, j-school graduates are still getting relevant jobs in the industry on completion of their studies, according to a recent report. Filloux went on to say that whilst social media sites are having a profound effect on the news gathering process, he said it was an illusion that such services would replace newswire journalism. He was also weary about placing too much faith in citizen journalism, a strange concept, according to Filloux, who asked: "Would you trust a citizen dentist or surgeon?" Although, we're not really convinced you can compare journalism to surgery. 

Belén Cebrián, deputy director of UAM, El País School of Journalism was concerned that whilst all students graduating had the necessary skills to pursue a successful career in the industry - job market permitting - few students had any notion of following their own agendas, something Cebrián clearly feels strongly about. The panel agreed that many students were too conventional in their attitudes and approach to journalism, with Filloux referring to the United States as the "inventor of the concept of political correctness." Lemann admitted that his school had been on the receiving end of right-wing humour for supposedly brainwashing students into "becoming left-wing radicals," but said that the school's goal was to produce objective reporters, distancing students "from contemplation of the self to contemplation of the external."

For other articles on this series on the future of journalism education conference, please visit:

Part 2: Integrated journalists for integrated newsrooms
Part 3: An opportunity for reinvention & Network or die
Part 4: Tomorrow's journalist, an entrepreneurial spirit
Part 5: Media in a global context & Conclusions