TikTok, in collaboration with the Department of Media, Communication, and Journalism (MCJ) at the North South University (NSU), recently organized an intensive two-day masterclass on journalism and digital storytelling to prepare students for the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Held at the North South University campus, the TikTok Masterclass on Journalism and Digital Storytelling brought together students, journalists, academics, digital creators, and media professionals for a series of interactive discussions, platform training sessions, and a newsroom visit for hands-on experience and learning.
The program explored how short video platforms such as TikTok can be used responsibly for news reporting, explainers, interviews, civic information and public-interest storytelling.
It also introduced participants to emerging practices in social-first journalism, audience engagement, vertical video production, fact-checking, digital safety and ethical content creation.
Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of North South University, said: “I am very excited to see our Department of Media, Communication, and Journalism hosting this kind of program in collaboration with TikTok. I hope it will open new doors of opportunity for our students and provide them with a valuable learning experience as they prepare for careers in journalism, media and digital communication.”
The first day opened with remarks from representatives of TikTok and North South University, including Md Harisur Rahman, associate professor and chair of the Department of Media, Communication, and Journalism; Md Rizwanul Islam, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences; and Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, VC of North South University.
Sessions included a TikTok masterclass covering journalistic content creation, community-driven storytelling, and opportunities for journalists on digital platforms.
A panel discussion titled “What Does the Future Journalist Look Like?” brought together Md Harisur Rahman, associate professor and chair of the Department of Media, Communication, and Journalism; Asma Anjum, trust and safety lead at TikTok; Mir Sabbir, editor of BBC Bangla; and content creator Karan Parihar.
Reflecting on the transformation of journalism education, Md Harisur Rahman said: “Journalism education has evolved significantly from a primarily traditional reporting and communications model. Our responsibility is to prepare students for careers not only in conventional newsrooms, but also across digital media, communications and the growing creator economy.”
The second day featured newsroom and creator perspectives on storytelling, credibility and career development.
Md Zahid Hossain Khan, researcher at Jamuna Television and lecturer at Northern University, led a session on the power of storytelling and trust. He shared insights into newsroom practices, story selection, journalistic ethics, news verification, the social impact of journalism and the ways journalists are adapting to the digital age.
Content creators Rashik Mohtasin, known as Magic Razik, and Saba Chowdhury discussed building careers through content creation and opportunities in the creator economy.
“People come to TikTok to discover new ideas, learn about the world around them and engage with stories that matter. Through this masterclass, we aimed to equip aspiring journalists with the skills to use short-form video creatively and responsibly, while upholding the core principles of journalism, including accuracy, verification, accountability and public interest,” said Emad Zafar, trust & safety and tech comms lead - APAC & METAPSAEE, at TikTok.
As part of the masterclass, there was a digital storytelling competition where participants created short-form content documenting social issues using hashtags #growwithtiktok and #nsu.
The top three entries were recognized as winners, receiving gifts and an opportunity to visit the newsroom of a national television broadcaster.
During the visit, the students experienced newsroom operations and interacted with journalists and media professionals, gaining exposure to how news is gathered, verified, produced and presented.
The program concluded with a certificates and awards handover ceremony.
Nasar U Ahmed, pro vice-chancellor of North South University, delivered the closing remarks.