Chinese Regime Expands its Media Abroad and Censors Domestic
- 14 years ago
The Chinese regime is planning a multi-billion dollar expansion of its media network abroad. A new version of the regime’s largest English language newspaper came out last week. During its effort to reach the international community, however, journalists inside China are facing tougher restrictions on press freedom.
Last week, the Chinese regime’s largest English language newspaper—China Daily—came out with its biggest makeover since it was founded in 1981.
[...]
While the regime is trying to gain a foothold on the world’s media stage, back home its tight grip on freedom of expression shows no signs of easing up.
Last month, the agency responsible for press accreditation, the General Administration of Press and Publications outlawed independent online news-services. It says online journalists —except those from state-sanctioned media—will not be issued press-cards, cannot carry out interviews or make news reports.
[...]
[Hu Liyun, International Federation of Journalists]: (female, Cantonese, 1st sound bite in footage)
“Those sanctioned by the country—like the People’s Daily can apply for a press-pass, but other websites cannot. What is the basis behind this? We do not understand. If it says that all online journalists are illegal, then why are journalists with the People’s Daily legal? The [CCP] party central needs to give a clear explanation of this, why is this line being drawn?”
Online news websites—many associated with human rights efforts—have emerged across China over the past few years. Journalists from these services try to report stories and investigations that are avoided by state-run media.
And many of these journalists pay a heavy price for their work.
On February 9th, writer Tan Zuoren was sentenced to five years in jail for so called ‘subversion.’ Tan had been involved in the making of an independent report on the schools that collapsed during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake that killed thousands of students.
Last week, the Chinese regime’s largest English language newspaper—China Daily—came out with its biggest makeover since it was founded in 1981.
[...]
While the regime is trying to gain a foothold on the world’s media stage, back home its tight grip on freedom of expression shows no signs of easing up.
Last month, the agency responsible for press accreditation, the General Administration of Press and Publications outlawed independent online news-services. It says online journalists —except those from state-sanctioned media—will not be issued press-cards, cannot carry out interviews or make news reports.
[...]
[Hu Liyun, International Federation of Journalists]: (female, Cantonese, 1st sound bite in footage)
“Those sanctioned by the country—like the People’s Daily can apply for a press-pass, but other websites cannot. What is the basis behind this? We do not understand. If it says that all online journalists are illegal, then why are journalists with the People’s Daily legal? The [CCP] party central needs to give a clear explanation of this, why is this line being drawn?”
Online news websites—many associated with human rights efforts—have emerged across China over the past few years. Journalists from these services try to report stories and investigations that are avoided by state-run media.
And many of these journalists pay a heavy price for their work.
On February 9th, writer Tan Zuoren was sentenced to five years in jail for so called ‘subversion.’ Tan had been involved in the making of an independent report on the schools that collapsed during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake that killed thousands of students.