Although many educational institutions now run journalism programs, employers in the media sector are complaining about the poor quality of graduate journalists.

At the First Western Region Media Forum held by the school of literature and journalism at Southwest University for Nationalities, Sichuan Province on Sunday, Zhong Kexun, director of the school, highlighted the issue.

Zhong suggested solving the problem with a reform of the journalism enrollment process. His idea is to stop recruiting high school students and instead select undergrad juniors interested in the field, from those already majoring in history, sociology, economics and English, and train them in journalism theory and skills.

Is this feasible and would it be effective?

Zhao Zhijie,

a third-year journalism grad student at Nanchang University

Journalism does not count as a professional qualification. Passion in digging for news and continuous practice makes a good reporter. After two years' study, students would have a clearer understanding about their interests and future career. By selecting journalism later and out of preference, would give them a better chance to excel in the field.

Zhang Chao,

a journalism senior at Anhui University

Lack of practical experience is the reason for the shortage of excellent journalists. Colleges and universities should instead create more opportunities for students to develop their skills.

Liu Xiaoying,

a professor at the Communication University of China

It would be unnecessary. Journalism talent is diverse. Some media recruit Chinese or history graduates for their knowledge, and then develop their journalism skills quickly on the job. Journalism theory is of great value, but an academic still needs their professional experience.