Valentin Vanghelescu is a senior lecturer at Ovidius University of Constanța, Romania, a valuable partner of Europavox Campus. He shares with us his job as a teacher in Journalism, Public Relations and the Intercultural Development master’s program, as well as his experience from organizing the Europavox Constanța event.
Ovidius University is a prestigious Eastern European institution that offers a wide range of courses, including journalism. Can you tell us more about the journalism program?
Our journalism program covers a broad spectrum of topics. We offer core courses in journalism, but we also include subjects like public relations and advertising.
My courses are very hands-on. I teach video production, sound production, television, radio, and podcasting. I also teach a multimedia course. In addition, we cover elements of sociology, cultural studies, and history. It’s a diverse program that prepares students for the many skills required of modern journalists.
Why do you think journalism is important today?
I see journalism as a crucial public service, much like education or healthcare. Journalists play a vital role in ensuring that citizens have the knowledge they need to navigate society and engage with institutions.
Without journalism, people wouldn’t have the necessary tools to understand and interact with the structures that shape their communities. It acts as a bridge between citizens and the world around them.
You also teach a multimedia course. How do you view the impact of technological advancements—especially AI—on journalism, particularly cultural journalism?
In my multimedia course, I emphasize critical thinking. I dedicate one lecture and one practical seminar specifically to AI, exploring how it is being used today.
We’ve examined artists who create digital paintings with AI, and this year, one of my students even composed a song using AI. The song had a political theme, reflecting the intensity of this year’s elections—it was an activist piece.
We also analyze social media and digital platforms critically, recognizing both their power to empower individuals and their potential to diminish our agency.
Modern journalism faces ethical challenges, particularly with clickbait and the influence of digital metrics on editorial decisions. How can journalists maintain their integrity in this landscape?
One of the biggest issues we face is responsibility—not just in the digital age, but even in traditional media.
When it comes to social media, responsibility lies with the people posting content. However, platforms enable and amplify that content without a structured system for verifying its accuracy. As a result, fact-checking is under attack. Particularly in multimedia formats, where anyone can create and share content online.
AI is a powerful tool that allows us to create incredible things, but it can also generate misleading content, especially in video journalism. Do you think there’s a way to ensure AI is used as a positive tool rather than a harmful one, particularly in journalism and news reporting?
Media literacy is key. People need to be educated about the tools available today.
However, my experience has shown that once people believe in misinformation, it’s incredibly difficult to change their minds—even when presented with facts. It’s frustrating to engage with people who believe in fake news and disinformation, especially when there’s no reliable way to prove the truth to them.
The best solution is education, starting from a young age. A few years ago, I led a workshop for high school students from Germany, Italy, and Romania, along with one student from Mexico. In Mexico, journalism is under much more pressure, with reporters facing arrests or even death threats.
Through that workshop, the students gained valuable insights. However, the challenge remains: when we fact-check or remove false content, people often claim it’s an attack on freedom of expression. Journalism today must find a balance between preventing misinformation and respecting free speech. Some people defend misinformation by claiming it’s satire or a joke. That’s why it’s crucial to have clear discussions about what constitutes satire versus responsible journalism.
What do you think about the state of music journalism today, especially considering the shifts in the music industry? You mentioned that one of your students created a song using AI. Is music journalism still relevant?
Absolutely! Specialized journalism remains essential.
I remember when I was a student, environmental journalism was emerging as a new field. Today, we need journalists specializing in cultural journalism, music journalism, and technology journalism. These areas require expertise, and not everyone can or should be a journalist.
What does Europavox Campus mean to you on a personal level? You are deeply involved in this project, and as a young teacher, you’ve witnessed the evolution of media and technology firsthand.
Personally, music has always been one of my passions—I love singing and painting. But over time, those hobbies took a backseat. Through Europavox, I’ve reconnected with my love for music.
I’ve always been a fan of the Eurovision Song Contest, so being part of Europavox has been exciting. It’s an amazing experience to engage with young people, hear diverse voices and cultures, and share moments beyond just the music—food, language, and social connections.
From an academic perspective, Europavox has given my students incredible opportunities. Initially, it was purely a music project, but in its second and third editions, we introduced roles for journalism, creative industries, and public relations students. This has provided them with a better understanding of event production and the broader media landscape.
What advice would you give to young people who are considering studying journalism?
Journalism is one of the most exciting careers because it allows you to explore, observe, and learn something new every day. It’s a field where you never get bored!
Even if you’re an introvert or struggle with communication, journalism can help you grow and develop. It’s a profession that encourages personal and professional flourishing.
