On October 25, 2023, the 2024 Media Integration Development Forum took place in Beijing. The theme of this year’s forum was “Strengthening the Construction of a Comprehensive Media Communication System and Shaping a New Pattern of Mainstream Public Opinion.” The event brought together officials from various central and national agencies, representatives from provincial and municipal publicity departments, and leaders from both central and local media, along with experts, scholars, and industry representatives.
Participants emphasized that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, the Party, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, has prioritized the development of media integration. General Secretary Xi has been directly involved in planning and promoting this initiative, providing direction, clarifying pathways, and setting requirements that guide the deepening transformation of mainstream media. The major directives issued during the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee highlight the need to build a production and dissemination mechanism suitable for an all-media context, as well as an evaluation system to advance the systematic reform of mainstream media. This serves as a call to action for deepening media reform on our new journey.
Participants also noted that mainstream media must firmly grasp the central task of advancing national construction and the great rejuvenation of the nation through Chinese-style modernization. They emphasized the need for reform and innovation, promoting integration and efficiency in communication, and striving to create a new landscape for media development. Enhancing the media’s ability to influence, guide, and build credibility is also essential. There is a call to deepen understanding, strengthening the sense of responsibility and mission in reform; to embrace change and effectively stimulate innovation; to enhance capabilities and take the initiative in guiding public opinion; and to be adept learners, continually improving skills in reform and innovation.
In addition to the main forum, two parallel sub-forums were held: “New Domains and New Qualities: Shaping a Deeply Integrated Landscape,” and “Data-Driven: Innovating Smart Media Formats,” along with a themed event titled “AI Night.”