This paper covers several main topics: (a) the interplay between media and society; (b) the tension between Chinese media studies as part of area studies and Chinese media studies as part of theory building; (c) indigenization and“modernization”of Chinese media studies, as seen from the perspectives of seemingly conflicting academic paradigms and epistemological orientations; and (d) a rough outline of problematics and projects for Chinese media studies. This paper is based on two academic conversations: the first between Lee and scores of post-graduate students in the humanities and social sciences at the City University of Hong Kong; the second between Lee and Huang. Lee is Chair Professor of Communications at the City University of Hong Kong, and Huang is Associate Professor of Journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University.