ICFJ expands China business journalism program

The International Center for Journalists is expanding its pioneering Global Business Journalism Program at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

A $125,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the nation’s leading journalism funder, will help the center expand the program’s student body, deepen its curriculum and create new partnerships.

Launched in 2007, the Global Business Journalism Program offers a master’s degree in international business journalism at Tsinghua, China’s most prestigious university. Last year, the program opened its classes to undergraduate students. To date, 172 graduate students and 105 undergraduates have enrolled in the program, which also attracts international students eager to report on China’s economic development.

“With the support from our sponsors and cooperation with media organizations, the Global Business Journalism Program at Tsinghua has marked its position firmly as the leading education provider for business journalism in China,” said Hong Yin, executive dean of the Tsinghua University School of Journalism and Communication.

The new funding will give more students access to a program with a strong track record of job placement. Many of its 60 graduates have landed jobs at leading news media in China.

“We will all benefit from the high-quality news produced by its graduates, who cover one of the most important economies in the world,” said Joyce Barnathan, president of International Center for Journalists, in a statement.

The program will also expand opportunities for partnerships with U.S. journalism and communication education programs, including a faculty exchange program. Media partners will continue to provide students and graduates with high-profile internships.

Along with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Bloomberg, Knight Foundation has been a founding sponsor of this groundbreaking initiative. Alberto Ibargüen, Knight Foundation’s president and CEO, is a member of the school’s International Advisory Board.

“China’s own economic success depends upon high-quality business news,” said Eric Newton, senior adviser to the president at Knight Foundation. “The success of the Global Business Journalism Program marks an important step toward that goal.”