A group of student reporters of the University of Macau (UM), led by Communications Office Director Katrina Cheong, recently visited the headquarters of TDM and Macao Daily News to learn more about the operation of the media in Macao, interact with media professionals, and gain a better understanding of the media industry.

The trip began with a visit to the headquarters of TDM, where Sam Heng Chao, executive producer of Chinese TV news and information programmes, as well as reporter Pan Yong Wen, explained the news production process to UM Reporters. They both said that TV reporters need to be ‘all-rounders’ to handle different aspects of the job, from editing to writing to broadcasting. In response to the SAR government’s epidemic prevention policy, Sam and Pan gave UM Reporters a virtual tour of the video studio and live newsroom through various electronic screens in the control room. They also showed UM Reporters the television van and explained its importance to journalists working outdoors, which increased UM Reporters’ understanding of journalistic work. 

Afterwards, the UM delegation visited the headquarters of Macao Daily News, where Assistant Editor-in-Chief Chan Man Ko and Chief Reporter Lai Iat Hong shared with UM students the history, printing process, and business development of the newspaper. Chan encouraged UM Reporters to learn more about new media as it is an increasingly popular platform where the public obtain information. Lai answered questions from students who are interested in joining the profession about the newspaper industry and what it entails to work as an intern at the newspaper. When asked how the newspaper deals with the impact of new media and the value of paper-based publication, Chan said that the cost of printing newspapers is very high, but there is still a demand for paper-based publications. For example, senior citizens and those who prefer paper-based publications still buy and read physical newspapers. Chan believes that newspapers still have the function of carrying on the legacy.

Launched in 2012 by the Communications Office of the university, the UM Reporter Programme has reached its ninth year and has trained more than 310 UM Reporters. The programme aims to provide a platform for students who are interested in interviewing, writing, and multimedia filming to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in news reporting through professional training and practice and to foster a greater sense of belonging among them. All news stories, photos, and videos produced by the UM Reporters are released through various publicity channels to enhance public recognition of the university.

Source: My UM e-version