ACFJ, one of two centers under the Department of Communication, is the product of the partnership between Ateneo de Manila University and the Konrad Adenauer Media Programme Asia based in Singapore that began in 2000. ACFJ was envisioned to be a hub of journalism education in the region, an oasis of learning for working journalists.  Originally known simply as the Center for Journalism, “Asian” was added to its name in 2006 to reflect the geographical scope of its mandate.

From 2003 to 2016, ACFJ developed and administered the Master of Arts in Journalism program, which blended online and face-to-face modes of instruction. The MA Journalism program aimed to promote an Asian perspective in journalists’ work, inspire them to revisit the ideals of the profession, and intensify their commitment to excellence in the craft. The MA Journalism, revised as the Master in Journalism program, is now fully administered by the Department of Communication.

ACFJ also administered two diploma programs: the Diploma in Photojournalism and the Diploma in Multimedia Journalism. In 2016, the two programs were merged into the Diploma in Visual Journalism (DVJ) program which is currently ACFJ’s flagship. The DVJ is a blended learning course offered to practicing Asian photojournalists and journalists, offering them a wider theoretical and practical perspective on visual storytelling for news events.

ACFJ also engages in research, publication and linkages, as well as in journalistic projects that delve into current Asian issues and concerns.

More than 300 Asian journalists have graduated from ACFJ’s various programs, forming the community of practitioners from which ACFJ draws professional and industry knowledge and trends, and, most importantly, inspiration.