Ex-minister heads journalism school
By Jiang Jingjing (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-11-21 05:47

Zhao Qizheng, former minister of the State Council's Information Office, has been appointed dean of the School of Journalism, Renmin University of China.

Zhao was installed at the weekend, marking a new era for the renowned institution as it celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday.

Zhao, 65, is expected to bring an even higher profile to the school, which is considered the nation's top journalism programme among China's 600-plus communications colleges.

"Recruiting him will bring the school to a world-class level," Ji Baocheng, president of Renmin University, said.

"He has in-depth, thoughtful ideas on modern, contemporary journalism and communications in a rapidly changing world. He's a driving force," Ji said.

Zhao has been credited with steering China's information and publicity programmes to a new high.

During his seven years at the ministry, Zhao widely promoted the use of public spokespeople and the "live" broadcasts of news conferences throughout China, making the government more accessible and responsive to the public.

On Saturday, he held a news conference of his own following the anniversary celebration attended by media tycoons, international journalism school deans, and hundreds of alumni and students of the school.

"I want China's government to be more transparent," Zhao told reporters.

"Only in that way can the ordinary people understand what the government is doing. It's your job to make this happen."

He cited examples such as the recent bird flu coverage, and claimed that China is allowing "100 per cent transparent coverage" of the crisis.

When talking about the public spokesperson system, Zhao said a dozen nationwide training classes have been held for public spokespeople.

At the journalism school of Renmin University, he stressed, he will push forward international co-operation.

The university recently signed agreements with two US journalism schools, including the University of Missouri, and the University of North Carolina.

The appointment of Zhao, who retired from the government in August, follows a trend for industry leaders to head into academia.

Fan Jingyi, former editor-in-chief of the People's Daily, was named dean of Tsinghua University's journalism school, and Shao Huaze, retired president of the People's Daily, now heads Peking University's journalism school.

(China Daily 11/21/2005 page3)