The origins of journalism education can be traced
back to the early 20th century, with universities
offering courses in newspaper reporting and editing.
However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that
journalism education became more formalised and
widespread. The University of Missouri established
the first journalism school in the United States in
1908, serving as a precursor for many other
universities to follow suit.
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In Uzbekistan, the development of journalism
education began after gaining independence from the
Soviet Union in 1991. Before this, journalism was
incorporated into broader communication or
literature programs. Since independence, there has
been an increasing acknowledgment of the
significance of journalism education in fostering a
free and independent press in Uzbekistan. Today,
numerous universities in Uzbekistan offer journalism
programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
According to the Harvard University Nieman
Foundation website (https://www.niemanlab.org),
journalism education has evolved in recent years to
adapt to the changing media landscape. With the
ascent of digital and social media, journalism
programs now emphasize multimedia storytelling,
data journalism, and audience engagement. Many
journalism schools also provide specialized tracks in
areas such as investigative reporting, environmental
journalism, and international reporting to prepare
students for careers in specific fields.
Aside from conventional classroom instruction,
journalism education often incorporates practical
training through internships, student media outlets,
and collaborations with professional news
organizations. These hands-on experiences enable
students to apply their skills in real-world settings and
establish professional connections that can aid in
launching their careers. According to C.W. Anderson,
the future of journalism education will continue to be
influenced by technological advancements, shifts in
media consumption habits, and evolving professional
standards. As the media industry adapts to new
challenges and opportunities, journalism education
will play a crucial role in preparing the next
generation of journalists to navigate these changes
while upholding the values of accuracy, fairness, and
public service.
In "The Handbook of Journalism Studies, 2008,"
Tim P. Vos asserts that journalism education is a vital
component of a healthy democracy. By equipping
students with the knowledge and skills needed to
produce high-quality journalism, journalism
education helps ensure that the public has access to
reliable information and diverse perspectives. As the
media landscape continues to evolve, journalism
education will remain essential in preparing future
journalists to meet the needs of an ever-changing
society.
Before delving into the term "Media theory," it is
prudent to define what media and theory mean.
Simply listing activities such as TV, radio, film, the
Internet, and newspapers is insufficient to define the
meaning of media. Perhaps the most appropriate way
to describe media is as a technological means to
deliver messages to the public across different
regions, cities, countries, or even globally. While
these media are commonly known as mass media,
they lack interaction between sender and receiver.
The term "mass" indicates the massiveness of media
reception like TVs, films, radios, etc. However,
Marshall McLuhan argues that media should not be
"mass" to be considered media. Before the term "mass
media," there was the singular form "medium,"
signifying someone or something between an object
or subject. This notion, mentioned by Marshall
McLuhan and quoted by Neil Postman, suggests that
three essential things for sight are the organ, the
object, and the medium. In this context, while typing,
the computer screen is the object, and the eyes are the
organ, with the medium being the light. Therefore,
without light, working on the computer would not be
possible. Human mediums, in this sense, can send
messages to others through a supernatural sense. The
media today vastly differs from the past, with
significant technological advancements. According
to historical evidence, a human medium is a
supernatural sense allowing one to send messages to
others.
Media theory is akin to a virus that tends to spread
frustration, concern, and alarm among students, as
claimed by Haenlain. The theory of media activity, as
a conceptual basis for journalism education, is an
intriguing and relevant approach to understanding the
role of journalism in society. It emphasizes the active
nature of media production and consumption,
providing a framework for comprehending the
complex relationship between journalists, media
organizations, and audiences.
Media activity theory posits that media
production and consumption are dynamic and
interactive processes involving various actors,
including journalists, media organizations, and
audiences. Unlike the traditional view of journalism
as a one-way communication process, this theory