معرفی
Prof. Dr. Tong-Jin Smith is a Professor of Journalism at Media University of Applied Sciences for Media, Communication and Business (HMKW) in Berlin since 2019. She also serves as a lecturer at the Institute of Journalism and Communication Studies at Freie Universität Berlin since 2020, and previously worked there as a Research Associate from 2016-2020 where she co-founded the Center for Media and Information Literacy (CeMIL). Additionally, she teaches at Technische Universität Berlin and has held various academic positions at other institutions including Dekra Hochschule für Medien.
Dr. Smith earned her PhD in Political Science from Heidelberg University in 2002 with a dissertation on "Democracy and Democratization in East Asia." Her academic background includes studies in Political Science, Medieval and Modern History, and English Studies at Heidelberg University, where she completed her Magistra Artium degree.
Dr. Smith's research focuses on critical issues in contemporary media and journalism. Her work explores Media and Information Literacy, examining how individuals navigate the complex digital information landscape. She investigates Digital Information and News Literacy, addressing the challenges of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age. Her research on Solutions Journalism highlights constructive approaches to reporting that go beyond problem identification. Dr. Smith also examines Journalistic Ethics in the context of networked society and alternative media ecosystems, with particular attention to cultural dimensions of media production and consumption.
Analysis of Dr. Smith's publications reveals a consistent focus on the intersection of media, society, and cultural dynamics. Her work spans from early research on East Asian political systems to contemporary analyses of digital media transformation. A recurring theme is the relationship between media practices and societal development, particularly regarding diversity, inclusion, and information quality in digital environments.
Dr. Smith is actively engaged in professional organizations relevant to her field:
- Member of UNESCO Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy (GAPMIL) since 2018
- Board member of DJV Berlin / JVBB (German Journalists' Association)
- Board member of UVG e.V. (Union of German Journalists)
- Co-publisher of CSR Magazine
- Co-publisher of the series "Young Science for CSR and Sustainability"
With over 30 years of professional experience in journalism since 1992, Dr. Smith has worked for major German media outlets including Welt am Sonntag, Tagesspiegel, ZDF, and others. Her industry experience includes editorial leadership roles at Suite101.com Media Inc. as Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Head of Politics & Society. This practical background deeply informs her academic work, creating a valuable bridge between theory and practice in journalism education.
Dr. Smith co-founded the Center for Media and Information Literacy (CeMIL) at Freie Universität Berlin, demonstrating her commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in media literacy. Her work connects academic research with practical applications through collaborations with media organizations and professional associations.
