Media energy sparks global connection

• Source: Global Times
• [04:12 May 19 2010]
• Comments

A huge, interactive metal ball called "Energy Source" is perhaps the most eye-catching element of the German Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo.

Equipped with a sophisticated voice control system, the ball is powered by cheers from the crowds. The louder the cheers grow, the more the ball sways. Visitors, who are strangers to each other, need to make concerted efforts by shouting in chorus, so that the LED ball can move and gleam with cityscape pictures.

The inspiration provided by the high-tech ball goes far beyond the scope of urban development.

It underscores a hard fact that global connection hinges on the energetic efforts of everyone, especially the media.

The China-German Media Forum, organized by the Robert Bosch Foundation of Germany and the Global Times, is an excellent example of the way media can spark a global connection with their energy.

The two-day forum, held on the eve of Germany Day at the Expo, covered a range of various topics, from urbanization and ecological challenges to freedom of speech and media missions.

The forum has had an immediate effect.

As the top Chinese and German media executives attending the forum put it, "We are not worried about having different points of view. We are worried about backing away from discussing them. Effective communication can do us good."

Media outlets need to step up to their vital role of promoting mutual communication between the two nations.

Differences or even ideological clashes among guest speakers were visible in the forum.

Some German journalists were even surprised to see the wide variety of opinions expressed by their Chinese counterparts on some sensitive topics. They had thought that the executives of Chinese State-owned media would speak with one voice.