A distinctive feature of the Master of Arts in Global Communication programme offered by the Department of Journalism and Communication is the annual boot camp organised by the CNN Academy in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This year’s boot camp, attended by nearly 50 of our students, focused on how the media industry is facing the challenges of artificial intelligence (AI).
The week-long training camp (10-17 December 2024) kicked off with a grand welcome dinner where 140 participants from 20 countries around the world gathered at the Hilton Hotel. During the conference dinner, several guests were invited to explain the application of AI in various fields, giving participants the opportunity to network and exchange ideas.
In the following days of master classes, Jonathan Hawkins, CNN’s Vice President of Communications, explained the use and policies of AI at CNN. Adam Dunnakey, a CNN TV news producer with expertise in AI, demonstrated how AI-synthesised images and videos can now be almost indistinguishable from the real ones. He also suggested ways of distinguishing the real from the fake. This session was particularly engaging for the students, who expressed that it broadened their horizons. Becky Anderson, a renowned CNN anchor and Managing Editor in Abu Dhabi, also hosted a panel discussion with an AI scholar.
In addition to lectures, the academy arranged a series of simulated interviews to help students understand the importance of being wary of false information and verifying facts at a time when it is often difficult to discern the authenticity of information. Twenty-six groups of students produced news videos based on their interviews and competed for four awards. Two of our students, working with foreign team members, won a special achievement award. A group of our students also received a special commendation for ‘checking in’ at designated Abu Dhabi locations and creating visual stories to post on a selected social media platform. The judges praised the students’ photos and descriptions.
Our students expressed that they gained a lot from this study tour. Not only did they get to meet students from different countries, but they also gained a deeper understanding of the application of AI in the media and the challenges of news production, significantly enhancing their professional journalism skills.
This tour was accompanied by Dr. Tracy Lee, Head of Department, Mr Felix Poon, Associate Professor of Practice, and Ms Carol Yiu, Senior Lecturer of the Journalism and Communication Department.
Students receive a certificate upon completion of the programme.
Our students won a Special Achievement Award in the News Video – Wu Hongxia (third from left) and Wang Xiaoxuan (third from right).
Five of our students are awarded special prizes for ‘checking in’ at famous locations in Abu Dhabi.
Students conduct interviews in a simulated scenario.
Jonathan Hawkins and Becky Anderson, senior management of CNN, pose with our students.
