Industry representatives gather in Changsha to explore new paths for media integration to empower social governance

On October 16, during a media forum at the 2024 China New Media Conference in Changsha, Yin Lujun, a member of the Party Leadership Group and Secretary of the Secretariat of the All-China Journalists Association, emphasized the critical role of mainstream media in national governance. “By leveraging the strengths of media in disseminating information and integrating resources, we must actively expand our functions and deeply engage in the broader context of reform and modernization of the national governance system. This approach can create a new value where mainstream media and urban development harmonize with the happiness of the people,” he stated.

The forum, themed “Media Integration Empowering Social Governance,” brought together industry representatives to discuss how various media platforms can explore effective mechanisms for integrating culture and technology. Participants shared insights on implementing pathways for media to significantly enhance social governance, aiming for a transformational “Media Plus” revolution.

Hua Xihua, Deputy Director of the Comprehensive Department of the National Data Bureau, highlighted the inherent advantages and potential of new media in utilizing big data. “Data is a new production element and a fundamental resource. It drives innovation in content production and enhances user services,” he noted, expressing hopes of nurturing a robust data industry within the new media landscape to foster technological innovation and expand data application scenarios, contributing to the development of the digital economy.

Leaders from major commercial platforms, including Su Xiaoming from Douyin Group, Zhou Lu from Meituan’s Corporate Social Responsibility division, and Peng Yun from Alipay, shared their perspectives on how AI models are transforming media practices and driving operational innovations, all within the framework of empowering social governance through media integration.

Peng Yong, Party Secretary and Director of Changsha Radio and Television Station, interacted with “Shazai,” the AI representative of “My Changsha,” China’s first “City Service + Media Integration” platform. He stressed that leveraging technology for transformation, empowering governance through operations, and encouraging cross-sector collaboration through technological innovation is key to success.

Han Guoliang, Director of the Shuangliu District Media Center and Head of Shuangliu TV, discussed the journey of creating a comprehensive online service platform for citizens, emphasizing the significant impact that county-level media centers can have in areas such as government services, grassroots governance, urban culture, and local service offerings.

Industry representatives, including Zhang Jinping, Chief Editor of the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone Media Center, An Yong, Vice President of Guangzhou Radio and Television, and Tao Hui, Director of Zhangjiagang Media Center, analyzed mobile trends and discussed ways to harness new technology to build powerful media platforms that possess strong influence, credibility, and public trust.

During the forum, the launch of the “Warm City” series of reports and the accompanying media exhibition was announced. This initiative aims to showcase examples of cities utilizing big data for smart governance and solving practical issues for their citizens, highlighting outstanding practices and experiences in building smart cities through media integration.