RIYADH: The world of media faces critical challenges in today’s digital age due to eroding public trust, financial instability due to shifting advertising models, audience shifts to social media, and the need for adaptation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, according to the dean of a leading US journalism school.
These challenges impact the quality of information, the sustainability of news organizations, and the health of democratic discourse.
Battinto Batts Jr., who serves as dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, spoke to Arab News about how the school is adopting innovative and hands-on methods to ensure the next generation of journalists can succeed.
The school utilizes a “teaching hospital” model, similar to how medical students train, in which students work in professional, real-world media environments under the guidance of award-winning professionals.
“We believe very much in experiential education, where our students learn by doing hands-on learning. Really practicing journalism, media, mass communications. We think that that best prepares them for careers,” Batts said.
