SEO: Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, German and French, Ivor Price, Nèlleke de Jager, Human & Rousseau, Prof Mogomme Masoga, Advisory Panel.
Students and lecturers in the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, German and French at the University of the Free State (UFS) once again got to hear about the latest developments in the media and publishing industries from two members of the department’s advisory panel.
Ivor Price, seasoned journalist, broadcaster, and owner of online news publications, and Nèlleke de Jager, fiction publisher at Human & Rousseau, presented a discussion (2 June 2023) about the latest trends in their respective industries. The Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, German and French was the second department in the Faculty of the Humanities to establish an academic advisory panel in 2021.
Besides Price and De Jager, Mariska van der Merwe, a teacher at Fichardt Park High School in Bloemfontein, is the third member of the panel. The department hosts two sessions a year with panel members, which serve as extra training for students. Panel members present practical session for students to prepare them for the world of work, as well as to increase their chances of getting hired.
Artificial intelligence and the media
During the session earlier this month, Prof Mogomme Masoga, Dean of the Faculty of the Humanities, said he appreciates the panel members taking time to advise the department on how to take the teaching of Afrikaans, French, and German further.
“For me, language is important because it defines us, it is something that carries us, and without language – what will we become. Therefore, I consider language as the core function of what the humanities are all about. I consider your time as special and appreciate that you are giving us your time,” said Prof Masoga.
Price’s presentation dealt with artificial intelligence (AI), such as the model called ChatGPT and the impact it has on journalism. According to him, it is one of the best things that could happen to the media.
“I have always been an early adaptor of technology. We will look at how AI can redefine the role of the journalist and which careers are being affected in news media. I have no doubt that journalists and the media will adapt to AI.”
According to him, they are also currently testing ChatGPT and other new AI tools in his newsroom.
Price said AI holds a range of advantages for the media, but it also comes with disadvantages and ethical dilemmas. It will, however, not replace creativity and other journalism skills.
Role players in publishing
De Jager talked about the role players in her industry and set out the process of publishing books. She also gave the attendees an overview of the big industry players in the local market.
“In my opinion, the most expensive part that plays a role in whether a publisher works or not, is distribution. It’s relatively easy to make a book, but distributing it is extremely expensive because you have to convince traders to put stock in shops. The books must be sold, and that money must be recouped. It’s an expensive exercise. All unsold books must be sent back.”
“For an editorial position, before you publish any book and after reading the manuscript, you need to prepare a spreadsheet to see the balance of the book. It is about an investment you are making, and you need to justify that it will make money or that you have plans to make money. Project management is also an important skill to have as a publisher,” she said.
During the session, the department also handed out prizes and bursaries to students.