Olympian expectations: New Zealand China and the Media

Within days, the Beijing Olympics will kick off with a massive and spectacular opening ceremony unlike any that have come before.

To mark this historic event, come and hear a discussion about what role the Games might have in either improving or worsening perceptions of China around the world and here in New Zealand. We’ll also look at related issues such as the China-NZ Free Trade Agreement, human rights and media freedom.

On August 8, the opening day of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Victoria University’s Asian Studies Institute, in conjunction with the Asia New Zealand Foundation, is holding a roundtable discussion on China, New Zealand and the Media.

Speakers include Fran O'Sullivan of the New Zealand Herald, Dr Douglas van Belle of Victoria University’s Media Studies Programme and political scientist Dr Jian Yang of the University of Auckland. The session will be moderated by Dr Stephen Epstein, director of Victoria University’s Asian Studies Institute.

In this forum, we hope to analyse New Zealand media’s handle on New Zealand's evolving relationship with China, as well as portrayals of the many significant events related to China this year such as the protests in Tibet, the Olympic torch relay around the world, the Sichuan earthquake, and the run-up to Olympics themselves.

Please join us for what we hope will be a lively session.

Forum: New Zealand, China and the Media
Date: Friday, 8 August 2008
Time: 2.30pm to 4 pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre 3, Rutherford House, Pipitea Campus, 23 Lambton Quay.

ENDS

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