From the Censors - On Censorship

[Randy W]

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I'm not sure that this article really says anything, but here it is. The Global Times is the People's Daily's English-language edition, for the foreign market

 

Time to reflect on old media management

 

China's social reality and the environment of media governance are rapidly changing. Western values have influenced many Chinese intellectuals.

 

It is less attractive for many media people to make explorations and innovations under the current management system. It is easier for them to maximize "universal values" in China and realize the interest of media in this process.

 

The reality is that old media regulatory policies cannot go on as they are now. The society is progressing, and the management should evolve. Traditional media is integrating intimately with new media in China, resulting in frequent migration of professionals and different ways for them to pursue their personal interests. All these means the traditional regulation mechanisms no longer fit the new environment

 

But no matter how the Chinese media is regulated, they will never become the same as their Western counterparts. This should be the basic judgment of Chinese media professionals. China's political system differs from the West's, and the media cannot separate itself from a country's political reality. The only way that fits the development of Chinese media is one that can suit the country's development path.

 

But media regulation is a tough job in modern society. Like regulating the Internet, which has been met with strong resistance from public opinion, many hold that management of any form is the violation of media freedom. So effective management shouldn't rely solely on authorities, but can be realized internally.

 

It is hoped that the latest issue can touch both the regulators and media professionals. The progress of the media will not be an easy result of regulation or mere copying of the Western style.

[david_dawei]

I think it was well articulated and balanced with common sense.

 

But no matter how the Chinese media is regulated, they will never become the same as their Western counterparts. This should be the basic judgment of Chinese media professionals. China's political system differs from the West's, and the media cannot separate itself from a country's political reality. The only way that fits the development of Chinese media is one that can suit the country's development path.

[griz326]

With 1.3 billion people, restraining the media is understandable and may be necessary to some degree. Lord knows what portion of our society's problems stem from the minuses that come along with the positives of free speech.

 

IMO, it is good for China to make progress in the Chinese way.