Integration of culture and technology, and new intelligence born from their synergy. On the morning of October 14, a group of 100 teachers and students from Xiangtan Institute of Technology attended the highly anticipated 2024 China New Media Technology Exhibition at the Hunan International Convention Center (Mango Pavilion).

This exhibition focused on the theme of "Integration of Culture and Technology," highlighting key application areas such as AI-enabled media convergence, smart media technology for intelligent cultural tourism, and digital cultural heritage. The event brought together over 30 leading organizations from media and technology sectors, showcasing the latest developments and innovations in new media technology.

Engaging in activities such as conversing with a digital incarnation of the ancient poet Qu Yuan, wearing VR glasses for a virtual moon journey, and exploring the grandeur of Chinese civilization in a CAVE immersive theater, teachers and students not only witnessed the latest achievements in new media technology but also gained deeper insights into the future of media communication through in-depth exchanges with exhibitors. This "study tour" was a journey of broadening horizons, expanding thinking, and enhancing learning.

At the center of this exhibition was Hunan Daily's "Intelligent Vision" content safety risk control platform, one of the earliest platforms in the national mainstream media to apply AI large-model capabilities to content risk control systems, enabling AI detection and continuous tracking of sensitive and political content expressions.

"In just 60 seconds, the AI risk control platform swiftly and accurately detected inappropriate elements in sensitive and political content!" said Cheng Menghuan, a student from the New Media 2201 class at the School of Humanities and Arts. "The rapid development and wide application of new media technology are astounding, and it will significantly boost efficiency in news production."

At the booth of the Malanshan Video Cultural Innovation Park, virtual production technology captivated onlookers. In just 14 days, the park's enterprises completed the shooting of China’s first virtual production short drama in the Malanshan virtual studio. The scenes of torrential rain engulfing buildings and cable cars on the verge of collapse were all created with LED virtual studios, replacing real-life settings.

"From a viewing perspective, it looks incredibly realistic!" remarked Mao Yili, a student from the Digital Technology Academy’s Computer Science 2303 class, noting how this technology not only enhances the immersive experience but also greatly increases filming efficiency. "It’s stunning!"

In addition to witnessing the latest achievements in new media technology, the exemplary cases displayed at the conference greatly benefited the teachers and students. During the Malanshan Time Cultural Innovation event, they explored the new media cloud production and broadcasting system developed by Zhongke Dayang, which serves the Paris Olympics coverage. They also learned about cutting-edge technologies such as 4K/8K ultra-high-definition, 5G communications, video cloud, and big data.

Amid the new trends in media convergence, journalists must not only master new technologies and skills but also uphold journalistic ethics and professional integrity. New media, as a crucial channel for information dissemination, bears the responsibility of conveying truthful information and guiding public opinion.

"As future journalists, we should apply what we've learned to future studies and work. Through continuous learning and skill development, we will improve our professional qualities and innovative abilities, better adapting to the new trends in media convergence and contributing to the prosperity of China’s journalism industry," advised Shi Jun Song, a professor at the School of Humanities and Arts.

Success comes from talent, and achievement expands through capability. Teachers and students alike expressed that this study tour provided a profound understanding of the "stormy rise" of new media technology. In the future, they aim to embrace their passion for learning, enhance their skills through practice, and more actively engage in the field of media communication, thereby empowering their studies, careers, and contributions to societal development and national progress.