GBJ  NEWS

The lines are blurring. Where traditional journalism ends and content creation begins is no longer a clear border, but a dynamic frontier demanding a new ethical map. As journalists adopt the tools and personas of influencers, and influencers tackle journalistic work, how do the core values of journalism translate to this fluid, fast-paced digital landscape?

“If there’s 100 journalists, the job of 99 of them is to point to the problem. But 1% of us have to then go, ‘Well, what are we going to do about it?’ That’s where solutions journalism comes in. That’s what excites me,” said Oliver Balch, a British freelancer based in Portugal. Solutions journalism is “rigorous and compelling reporting about responses to social problems,” according to the Solutions Journalism Network (SJN).

I’ll never forget the day when an editor at the BBC told a 25-year-old me that journalists shouldn’t be on TikTok because “there’s so much misinformation on there.” By that point, I had maybe 10,000 followers on the platform, possibly more, and the comment stung. My TikToks, which had amplified my journalism as well as my passion for learning new languages, were well researched and the opposite of misinformation. So, what’s my solution? A tool in your pocket that can help you

Images often convey impact more immediately and powerfully than words, but with that power comes the responsibility to report ethically, especially in the wake of mass casualty events like the recent Texas floods. Visual journalists must navigate difficult decisions about what to show, what to hold back, and how to treat survivors and victims with respect. John Jordan, deputy director of photography at the Texas Tribune, spoke about critical choices photojournalists face when

Deep Listening in journalism means going beyond simply hearing words or extracting quotes. It’s about being fully present, setting aside your own agenda (temporarily), and listening with genuine curiosity and empathy. Unlike the traditional, often transactional approach — where journalists listen just long enough to get the information they need — Deep Listening acknowledges the speaker’s humanity, creating the psychological safety for them to share more openly and authentica

Since 2018, tariff policy has returned to the center stage of global affairs, catalyzed by U.S. efforts to rebalance trade relationships under Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden. As governments rethink the rules of globalization, reporters who previously had not been trade experts are being asked to cover this highly specialized area of business journalism. Those covering trade must understand not only how tariffs work, but also how they ripple across economies.

Hannan Gillani of Pakistan spoke on behalf of Tsinghua's international students. "As we graduate at a time when the world needs credible, ethical and courageous reporting more than ever," he told the 2025 graduates. "We are called to bridge divides, to promote understanding, and to shine a light on the issues that shape our societies. The education we received at our school has prepared us not just to understand the world, but to make a meaningful impact wherever we go."

Tsinghua Journalism School Dean Zhou QIng'an spoke to the graduates of the Global Business Journalism program at the June 20 commencement celebration. Among the highlights: "You joined the GBJ program during the uncertainties of a global pandemic ... Through challenges and changes, you supported each other, adapted to new realities, and never lost sight of your goals. Today, you stand proud and accomplished — each of you having carved a unique path to success."

Corazon Scheppy of the United States was chosen to speak as the student representative at the 2025 Global Business Journalism commencement celebration. This post contains the complete text of her remarks. One highlight: "In this diverse, international environment, we've learned more than just journalism. We've learned the importance of connection — of reaching across languages, cultures, and perspectives. The courage to connect has defined our education and growth."

Global Business Journalism co-director Rick Dunham was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 GBJ commencement. That's the top headline in our June newsletter, which also features details of this year's graduation ceremonies, success stories of GBJ alumni Ali Farman of Pakistan and Maria Rincon of Canada, and the deepening content partnership between GBJ and the International Journalists' Network.