On the evening of January 27, 2026, the 128th session of Nanchang University's School of Journalism and Communication's "Outstanding Forum" was successfully held online. This edition featured alumnus Yu Zhenkai, a seasoned media professional, as the keynote speaker. Under the theme "Experience Sharing: Navigating Direction in the Media Wave," Yu delved into development pathways and response strategies for journalists in the AI era, drawing from his own practice. The lecture, hosted by Professor Hu Dan, Director of the Journalism Department, attracted nearly three hundred faculty members and students.

Kicking off the lecture, Yu traced his career journey to spark reflection on reconciling journalistic ideals with reality. He revisited his transition from campus to media industry, offering practical insights into common student concerns about professional uncertainty and career anxiety amid industry transformation. Engaging students on the question of pursuing media careers post-graduation, he fostered widespread resonance, setting an open and candid tone for subsequent sharing.

Addressing AI's profound impact on media, Yu shifted focus beyond challenges toward technological empowerment and capability reconstruction. He systematically recommended various efficient tools—covering image generation/processing, intelligent video editing, and AI voiceover/music composition—detailing their applications and specific methods for enhancing content production efficiency, providing immediately applicable technical support.

During the Q&A session, students actively raised questions spanning ethical boundaries of AI models in news production, effective human-AI collaboration models, and practical techniques for using AI tools. Leveraging his hands-on experience, Yu provided thorough responses, encouraging attendees to embrace technology while maintaining journalists' critical thinking and humanistic concern.

Concluding the event, Professor Hu Dan summarized the key takeaways. She expressed gratitude for Yu's insightful perspectives and actionable advice, motivating students to proactively adapt to evolving times—solidifying disciplinary foundations academically while honing core competencies through practice. Her words urged participants to confront industry shifts positively while exploring their unique life trajectories.

This forum not only addressed students' uncertainties about professional prospects but also broadened horizons and methodologies through case studies combined with tool demonstrations. Attendees unanimously praised the session's forward-looking vision and practical value, highlighting its significance for future academic planning and career development. (Written by: Bian Yutong)