Media Practice Firsthand: ENU Students Meet with Chief Editors

At L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, the traditional Decade of Science began on April 1. One of the first events was a meeting between students and members of the Club of Chief Editors of Kazakhstan, organized by the Department of Journalism and Media Arts of the Higher School of Journalism and Social Sciences at ENU.

The central event was a scientific seminar titled “Theoretical Issues of Website Functioning.” The speaker, Editor-in-Chief of the national newspaper *Bilim Aynasy*, Kuantai Katshabayev, shared real editorial experience and spoke about the key aspects of modern media platform operations. He paid special attention to management and marketing in journalism, emphasizing their importance in today’s media market.

The practical side of online journalism was presented by Sapargali Kanat, Editor-in-Chief and Director of the QR News website. He подробно outlined the stages of website creation and development, as well as promotion strategies. In his speech, he addressed current industry challenges, requirements for modern digital platforms, and the specifics of audience engagement. The theoretical insights were supported by concrete examples demonstrated on an LED screen.

During the meeting, the discussion went beyond technical aspects. The speakers raised important professional questions: how the price of a journalistic piece is determined, how journalists should evaluate their work, and how an effective editorial team is built. By providing real cases and specific figures, the experts made the discussion highly practical and valuable for students. The idea that quality content is in demand, yet there is still a shortage of skilled journalists, resonated strongly with the audience. In addition, media representatives expressed their willingness to collaborate with students and offer employment opportunities, opening real career paths for young people. This became a vivid example of how theory can be effectively combined with practice.

Such meetings play an important role in the professional development of future journalists. They allow students to see the inner workings of editorial offices, understand the process of content production, and grasp the demands of modern audiences. Direct interaction with industry professionals helps students better navigate their career paths.

The combination of theory and practice is one of the key conditions for training qualified specialists. Today’s media market is rapidly evolving: new platforms are emerging, audience expectations are growing, and content quality standards are becoming more complex. In this context, not only academic programs but also direct engagement with industry professionals play a crucial role in shaping future journalists. This seminar, held as part of the Decade of Science, clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of such an approach. There is strong confidence that such meaningful events will continue in the future, as journalism is not only about writing but also about continuous learning, growth, and staying aligned with industry developments. The first seminar of the Decade of Science clearly reflected this spirit.

Today, the media landscape is developing at a rapid pace: new platforms are emerging, audience expectations are increasing, and content quality standards are becoming more demanding. In such conditions, it is essential not only to gain academic knowledge but also to maintain constant contact with the professional community. The seminar held within the Decade of Science served as a clear confirmation of the effectiveness of this approach.

It can be confidently said that such initiatives strengthen the connection between the university and the industry, becoming an important step in students’ professional growth. Journalism is not only about writing—it is about continuous development, adaptation, and moving forward.