TikTok and Tribhuvan University Organize Two-Day Masterclass on Journalism and Digital Storytelling

TikTok, in collaboration with the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (CDJMC) at Tribhuvan University, organized a two-day masterclass to prepare students for a changing media industry increasingly influenced by mobile technology and social media.

The "TikTok Masterclass on Journalism and Digital Storytelling," held in Kathmandu on Friday, brought together undergraduate and postgraduate students, faculty members, journalists, digital creators, and media professionals. The event featured platform-specific training, discussions, and exchanges of ideas and experiences.

Experts from TikTok, the media industry, and the creator community conducted several interactive sessions. TikTok specialists led sessions on journalistic content creation, safety, and responsible storytelling. Journalists and digital storytellers shared their practical experiences, offering students insights into maintaining credibility in a rapidly changing media industry.

Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Bhola Thapa said, "In this era of digital news, the ways people create and engage with information are constantly changing, and journalism education is evolving accordingly."

He said such opportunities would help students understand and navigate changes in the media industry. He also thanked TikTok for taking the initiative to share its experience and expertise with journalism students.

Similarly, Rola Abu Hassan, TikTok's Head of Communications for the Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, said, "People come to TikTok to discover new ideas, learn about the world around them, and connect with meaningful stories."

She explained that the masterclass aimed to equip aspiring and working journalists with the skills needed to create engaging digital content creatively and responsibly.

According to Hassan, the program also sought to enable participants to produce digital content while upholding the fundamental principles of journalism, including accuracy, verification, accountability, and public interest.

One of the main highlights of the program was a panel discussion featuring Kiran Chapagain, TikTok's Government Relations and Public Policy representative; Dr. Shree Ram Paudel of Tribhuvan University; Prateek Pradhan, Editor-in-Chief of Baahrakhari; and content creator Roneeshma Shrestha.

The discussion examined the shift from traditional newsrooms to digital newsfeeds, career opportunities, credibility, artificial intelligence (AI), and the changing role of journalism in Nepal.

The masterclass also provided practical experience through a newsroom visit and sessions exploring the use of TikTok as a storytelling platform.

Special attention was given to safety and responsible storytelling, including community guidelines, misinformation and information verification, AI-generated content, and digital citizenship.