Centennial Celebration of Journalism Education in Lithuania: Reflecting on a Century of Journalistic Development and Academia
In the Modern Era of Information Overload, Johan Gutenberg's Dream Lives On
Amidst an avalanche of digital information coming at us from every direction, we find ourselves questioning the very essence of journalism. Once the exclusive realm of educated, experienced professionals known for their objectivity, factuality, and impartiality, the media landscape has undergone seismic shifts in recent years.
"We inhabit a time when the quality of information and its sources have become major concerns," confesses associate professor Dr. Aukse Balcytiene of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). "The hunger for truth is as strong as ever, but the means of satisfying that hunger have changed dramatically."
This May, VMU will celebrate a monumental milestone - 100 years of educating the next generation of journalism titans. A gathering of journalism experts, researchers, students, and schoolchildren will take place on the 15th, focusing on the past, present, and future of journalism.
"Journalism is more than just a profession; it's a set of values, practices, and a mindset that aims to educate the public and build professional standards," explains Prof. Dr. Kristina Juraite, Head of the VMU Dept. of Public Communication. "Our vision is to bring back the conversation about why journalism matters and why pursuing journalism studies is worth the effort."
The Birth of Journo-Sociology at the Dawn of a New Nation
As Lithuania embarked on its path towards independence in the early 20th century, it also laid the groundwork for journalism education. The first journalism lectures initiated at VMU in 1925 were shaped by figures such as Professor Juozas Eretas, who preceded the ELTA news agency in 1920 and encouraged his students to consider journalism as a means of modernizing the nation.
One of Eretas' most influential successors was Juozas Keliuotis, a Lithuanian interwar journalist who studied at the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris. Keliuotis returned to Lithuania with an insatiable curiosity for sociology, philosophy, and journalism that culminated in the blending of these disciplines at VMU, encapsulating the Western spirit he experienced in Paris.
"Keliuotis' lectures tackled timeless issues in journalism - the importance of professionalism, freedom of speech, accountability in reporting, etc. - which continue to resonate to this day," elaborates Prof. Dr. Aukse Balcytiene.
The 90s: A Revival and a Renaissance for Journalism Studies
In 1998, journalism studies made a resurgence at the master's level at VMU, marking a shift in focus on the broader perspectives and understanding of the mission of a journalist. students were ambitious and hungry for an education in journalism, coming from diverse academic backgrounds such as English philology, philosophy, history, and political science. "They possessed a deep desire to understand and learn, combined with a strong sense of responsibility. They were the trailblazers of the digital age, armed with analytical skills and the ability to consume and process information efficiently," recalls Prof. Balcytiene.
The revived program had a strong emphasis on historical and political perspectives, allowing students to analyze journalism through a critical lens, recognizing its role in a democratic society and studying its transformation throughout history.
Critical Thinking and Responsible Journalism in a Time of Information Chaos
In the 21st century, the importance of journalism remains undeniable, despite the challenges posed by digitization, the proliferation of fake news, and sensationalist media. As we navigate the rapidly evolving media landscape, journalism studies continue to provide a vital access point for those looking to develop critical thinking skills and contribute to a more informed and discerning public.
"Democracy and free speech are only sustained through the presence of high-quality journalism," argues Prof. Juraite. "Journalists play an essential role in holding powerful institutions accountable and fostering informed dialogue."
In Honor of 100 years of Journalism Studies in Lithuania, VMU will host an extraordinary event on May 15, welcoming everyone interested in journalism to engage in discussions about its past, present, and future. With speakers, workshops, and a school-student quiz focused on current events, the event aims to showcase the relevance of journalism education and the importance of objective and critical reporting for a democratic society.
- Amidst an avalanche of digital information, the quality of information and its sources have become major concerns, according to Dr. Aukse Balcytiene of Vytautas Magnus University.
- This May, VMU will celebrate 100 years of educating the next generation of journalism titans, with a focus on the past, present, and future of journalism.
- Prof. Dr. Kristina Juraite, Head of the VMU Dept. of Public Communication, explains that journalism is more than just a profession; it's a set of values, practices, and a mindset that aims to educate the public and build professional standards.
- As Lithuania embarked on its path towards independence in the early 20th century, it laid the groundwork for journalism education at VMU, with figures such as Professor Juozas Eretas playing a key role.
- In 1925, Eretas' most influential successor, Juozas Keliuotis, returned to Lithuania after studying at the prestigious Sorbonne University in Paris, bringing an insatiable curiosity for sociology, philosophy, and journalism that culminated in the blending of these disciplines at VMU.
- In the 21st century, journalism studies at VMU provide a vital access point for those looking to develop critical thinking skills and contribute to a more informed and discerning public, as argued by Prof. Juraite.
- VMU will host an extraordinary event on May 15 to mark 100 years of journalism studies in Lithuania, focusing on current events, workshops, and a school-student quiz to showcase the relevance of journalism education and the importance of objective and critical reporting for a democratic society.
