Chinese Media Critics Sidestep Censorship, Blame Internet and Societal Silence

Three senior figures in China's media landscape have recently published analyses on the declining influence and popularity of mainstream media within the country. One professor suggests the internet is the primary reason, a trend seen globally where traditional media cannot match the variety of online content and has lost its news-gathering edge. Another journalism professor and former journalist argues that 'systemic transformation' is meaningless unless the media returns to its core strengths: exclusive news, in-depth reporting, and scrutinizing power. Hu Xijin, former editor of the Global Times, laments that people are afraid to voice opinions on social media due to instant backlash, blaming society's narrowing tolerance for this 'collective silence'.

The author contends that none of these critiques address the elephant in the room: state censorship. To illustrate, the article details an incident where a car deliberately drove into schoolchildren and parents. Official Chinese media outlets remained silent for three days, only for the police to issue a terse statement classifying it as an 'accident' that injured four and killed one. Videos and eyewitness accounts circulating online, however, suggested a higher casualty count and that survivors were being 'guarded' in hospitals. This lack of immediate, transparent reporting, starkly contrasting with the claims of an 'open society' and 'scrutiny of power', is presented as the true reason for public disinterest in state-controlled media.

Impact: This news highlights critical issues of transparency and freedom of the press in China. For investors, the lack of open reporting and potential censorship can obscure the true economic and social conditions within the country, leading to increased risk and uncertainty. It impacts investor confidence and the perception of market stability, making it harder to assess genuine business and economic performance. Rating: 7/10.

Difficult terms: Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security. Mainstream media: Newspapers, television, radio, and other popular forms of communication that reach the largest audiences. State-run media: Media organizations owned and controlled by the government. Privately-owned media: Media organizations owned by individuals or corporations, not the government. Market-driven media: Media whose content and operations are primarily dictated by commercial interests and audience demand. USP (Unique Selling Proposition): A feature or aspect that makes a product or service distinctive and attractive to customers. Systemic transformation: A fundamental change in the structure, processes, and principles of a system. Scrutiny of power: The careful and critical examination of those in authority and their actions. Ultra-nationalist: Someone who holds extreme patriotic beliefs and is intensely devoted to their country, often believing in its superiority. Netizens: Users of the internet, especially active participants in online communities. Premeditated act: An action that has been planned in advance. Endangering public safety: An action that puts the general public at risk of harm. Traffic island: A raised or marked area in a road at a junction or crossing, used to guide traffic or provide a refuge for pedestrians. Unofficial news portal: An online news source that is not affiliated with or endorsed by official government or state-controlled organizations.