All-rounded journalist is now needed

出自香港新聞網 - 樹仁新傳系學生實習習作

All-rounded journalist is now needed

Senior staff of ATV news department admits that running 24-hours news channel could be as a way of money earning, and the media convergence is an inevitable trend.

Mr. Peter Kwan, with his precious experiences in Phoenix TV, TVBS, and currently being the Senior Vice President (News) of Asia Television, shares his view on "The operation of 24-hours news channel" with the students of Hong Kong Shue Yan College.

All the while, ATV news is trying to report in the appropriate stance. And, as to maintain neutrality, news programme could never receive any sponsorship. “Imagine if Cathay Pacific sponsors our news, but when today’s headline come to be a plane of hers crashed. What attitude should we take? Our coverage and stance should never be wavered by any external factors.” Kwan said.

So, budget is always a problem for news programme makers, especially ATV’s. Recalling the time when ATV decided to run the 24-hours news channel with PCCW, Kwan admits that there were difficulties and serious consideration behind. “To run a 24 –hours news channel, cost would certainly be high. But, I finally encounter the solution: to make highly use of the resources. Now, we provide news channel for Now TV, and at the same time, proper TV programs from ATV would also be broadcasted in that channel.”

By resources sharing, co-operating with PCCW, ATV could now have much funding and make better news. The news department has recruited about seventy people more for the operation of this 24-hours news channel. Still, Kwan states that their news channel is now still at a lower cost when comparing to the Cable TV’s. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that producing TV news is a service rather than making a business.

Kwan also comments that media convergence is an expected trend, and the content is always the king. He suggests similar contents in different form of programs could be constructed, which is to ensure that audience could receive the message. And, above all, lowering the cost is the aim.

To maintain low cost, Kwan has once invented a system: encouraging the driver of the crew, simultaneously being the camera man assistant. And which is now followed by few other channels. He mentions that there are drivers who eager to learn about the shooting profession and now have been promoted to be the core camera men of the crew.

By stating this example, he is warning that competitors are all-around, reporters must have to be diversified. The roles of journalists are being blurred nowadays. So, he advises journalism majors should always upgrading themselves and being ready to be an all-rounded journalist.