Future Of Journalism? BBC Brings World Questions To Taylor’s

By Cheong Car Men

SUBANG JAYA — On June 9th 2025, students from different universities had a rare opportunity to engage with some of the BBC’s top journalists during a special interactive panel session titled “Truth, Trust and Worldwide Journalism” in Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus. 

Part of the BBC’s World Questions series, the event focused on the evolving role of journalism in today’s fast-paced, digital landscape world. The panel featured  three experienced BBC professionals including Jon Zilkha, Controller and Network Head from BBC World Services, Jonny Dymond, Presenter from BBC World Questions as well as the former BBC US, Middle East and Royal Correspondent, and Charlie Taylor, Senior Producer from BBC World Questions. 

The trio shared with the audience perspectives into how the BBC is adapting to new challenges while still upholding its core value of truth, fairness and public service. 

Journalism In A Changing Media Landscape

The session began with an overview of the BBC World Service, which broadcasts in 42 languages and 72 locations worldwide, reaching people across continents — especially in areas where there is limited press freedom. While traditional radio remains crucial to BBC’s mission, the BBC has expanded its reach through YouTube, television, social media platforms and even encrypted messaging apps like Telegram to ensure content is available even in countries with heavy media censorship.

BBC’s speakers talk about World Service. Image Credits: Cheong Car Men.

An important topic throughout the session was the increasing challenge of disinformation and declining public trust in the news. “The approach we’re taking to that across BBC News is not just tell people what we know, but what we don’t know. And at the core of that is an approach to transparency,” said Jon. Jon explained that trust is not something news outlets can take for granted anymore — it has to be earned and maintained through consistent and open communication with audiences about the sourcing and verification of information.

The panel also addressed how ethical journalism is at the heart of their work. While it’s important for individual reporters to follow professional standards, they also highlighted the need for media organisations to back those values by setting clear guidelines, providing strong editorial support and being accountable to the public. 

When asked how the BBC can stay relevant to younger audiences who prefer short, bite-sized content on platforms like TikTok, the panel acknowledged the challenge. “Each time we think that the audience is behaving and moving in a certain way, we will look to see how we can adapt our content and our storytelling because that’s what we’re doing is telling stories to the platform,” answered Jon. He added, “but the core information and the core values behind that information have to be the same.” They also shared how data analytics help the BBC understand which stories resonate the most with the audiences, including where people tend to stop watching or listening. However, they stressed that editorial choices should be based on public interest and not just what is trending or popular currently.

Inside BBC’s World Question

One of the most engaging parts of the panel session was the behind-the-scenes look at how BBC World Questions is made. The program travels to cities and countries around the world, collecting questions from local audiences to spark open discussions with public figures and political leaders. The team looks for questions that are socially relevant and personally meaningful — especially those that challenge authority and give voice to real concerns. 

Besides that, the speakers also talked about how technology has changed production. In this day and age, the show uses PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras — the same kind as the Love Island show. These cameras are controlled remotely, allowing the team to film both radio and television versions of the show at once without interrupting the audience or requiring large crews. It’s a modern approach that combines efficiency with quality to allow the program to be filmed with minimal disruption.

BBC’s speakers talk about World Questions. Image Credits: Cheong Car Men.

While World Questions now exists in both radio and television formats, the team made it clear that radio remains the heart of what they do. “With radio, people can absorb more ideas for longer than TV. TV is kind of exhausting if you talk too much. And you’ve got pictures, you’re taking in so much. World Questions sustains really well for an hour as a program on radio,” said Charlie. After recording, the team edits the content on-site. The radio version is then delivered to the BBC World Service in London, while the video version is prepared and released shortly after. Listeners can find the program on the BBC World Service website or on YouTube.

The panel session wrapped up with a reminder of why journalism still matters. In today’s world filled with conflicting information and rising skepticism, the BBC’s commitment on truth, transparency and public engagement continues to guide its work. Whether it’s broadcasting into conflict zones, fact-checking viral misinformation or amplifying the voices of ordinary people, the BBC stays committed to informing rather than influencing — helping audiences understand the world around them with clarity.

Group photo with BBC’s speakers at the end of the event. Image Credits: Cheong Car Men

For many students, lecturers and guests, the panel session felt like just more than a talk. It was a valuable lesson in global journalism — providing a rare, honest glimpse into how one of the most respected news organisations works to stay relevant and reliable in a fast-changing media environment.