Presentation:  U.S. government and media relations

The program will be in English with consecutive interpretation in Chinese.

What is the current interaction between American media and government?  The relationship between government and media is a complicated one, especially in today's changing media environment.  The role that media plays to check and balance power is vitally important; but at the same time, the government needs the media to help spread their message and information. 

Come and join us to hear from a mainstream American journalist's perspective on the interaction between the current U.S. administration and the American media, and how the media is playing a vital role.

Speaker's bio: Bill Berkeley has taught international journalism as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University since 1999.  He has also taught journalism as a Visiting Professor in China since 2010, at both Sun Yat-sen University and Fudan University, where he was a Fulbright Scholar in 2011-12.  This fall he will teach journalism at Wuhan University.  He is a former editorial writer and investigative reporter for the New York Times and was a foreign correspondent for The Atlantic magazine in Africa and the Middle East. He is the author of three books, including "The Graves Are Not Yet Full," a book about war and genocide in Africa.

This program is not suitable for children under 6.

The program will start at 6:30pm and doors will open at 6pm. Please try to arrive at least 10 minutes before the program starts to allow enough time to go through security.

NOTE: This event is open to the general public.  Audio or video recording of the program will not be permitted.  Press inquiries should be directed to the U.S. Embassy Press Office.

Please note that attendees of this event grant permission to the U.S. Department of State to photograph and video record their image and/or voice. Permission is granted for the U.S. Department of State to release, publish, broadcast or quote this material in public information programs and activities. Content procured may be included in future speeches, on the Internet, through multiple broadcast channels and print media.  Use of content (image, audio or ideas) will not be used for commercial purposes. Thank you very much.

You must bring a valid photo ID in order to get into our Center.  No large bags will be allowed into the Beijing American Center (BAC) for this event.

While portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, iPads and other tablets, and smartwatches are permitted, guests may not bring laptop computers to Beijing American Center programs.

For security reasons, the BAC staff reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone. 
Location: No. 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (East Gate of the U.S. Embassy). 
Directions: Metro Line 10, Liangmaqiao Station Exit B, walk northeast to the Tian Ze Road intersection of An Jia Lou Road, north side of the Visas Office.