TikTok hosts masterclass on new media storytelling at TU

KATHMANDU: TikTok and the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Tribhuvan University held a two‑day masterclass on journalism and digital storytelling to prepare students for a media environment increasingly shaped by mobile and social platforms.

The TikTok Masterclass on Journalism and Digital Storytelling brought together undergraduate and master’s students from TU‑affiliated colleges, faculty members, journalists, digital creators and industry experts for platform training, discussions and exchanges of ideas.

Sessions led by TikTok staff covered journalistic content creation, safety and responsible storytelling, while journalists and digital creators shared practical expertise on building credibility in a rapidly changing media landscape. Activities included a newsroom visit and practical workshops on using TikTok as a storytelling platform.

A panel discussion featured Kiran Chapagain of TikTok’s Government Relations and Public Policy team; Dr Shree Ram Paudel of CDJMC, Tribhuvan University; Prateek Pradhan, editor‑in‑chief of Baahrakhari; and content creator Roneeshma Shrestha. Panelists considered the shift from traditional newsrooms to news feeds and debated careers, credibility, artificial intelligence and the changing role of journalism in Nepal.

Organisers said the masterclass also addressed community guidelines, misinformation, AI‑generated content and digital citizenship, with an emphasis on safety and ethical practice for journalists working on social platforms.

“In this digital news era, journalism education is evolving as the way people create and engage with information continues to change. Opportunities like this help students better understand and navigate the changing media landscape. We thank TikTok for taking the initiative to share its expertise with our journalism students, many of whom are already working in the industry,” said Prof. Dr Bhola Thapa, Vice‑Chancellor of Tribhuvan University.

“People come to TikTok to discover new ideas, learn about the world around them, and engage with stories that matter. Through this masterclass, we aim to equip aspiring and current journalists with the skills to create engaging digital content creatively and responsibly, while staying grounded in the core principles of journalism, including accuracy, verification, accountability, and public interest,” said Rola Abu Hassan, Head of Communications at TikTok covering Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia, Eastern Europe.

TikTok is a global short-form mobile video platform with offices in cities including London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Singapore and Tokyo.