Lately we’ve seen encouraging news about China reporting new cases of bird flu in humans, and the government is seemingly stepping up to the plate and taking action. But the sad fact is that China’s openness and transparency in regard to bird flu is intended mainly for foreign eyes. In other words, the truth about bird flu cases is being reported by foreign reporters, not the local Chinese media.
So why are Chinese journalists steering clear of this topic? Jeremy offers some insights.
The answer to that question is sadly very clear: the government fears an open media, and the media in China is meek and timid.
This writer and other foreigners can complain until the birds drop from the sky about the state of media in China and nothing will change. It is only when a greater number of Chinese media workers themselves stand up for the integrity of their profession that there will be any progress.
Of course, we all know what happens when reporters stand up to the government in China.
1
By Bingfeng Teahouse
Does Chinese media react to bird flu promptly?
Does Chinese media react to bird flu promptly?
November 14, 2005 @ 6:56 am | Comment
2
By MoLei
Ok, I agree with you 100% that the media in China is not up to par (to put it mildly), however, if you’ve watched your t.v. and you’re in China, you’ve seen about a million reports about it, right?? If you haven’t, I have. No offence. I agree with you, but you might have chosen the wrong case to prove a point.
I’ve written an article on this topic in a chinese paper. It’s online if you want to check:
http://www.qnck.net.cn/gb/qnck/2005-06/30/content_24443.htm
November 14, 2005 @ 9:22 pm | Comment
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By richard
I’m not in China now, so I’m relying on my fellow bloggers; this post is not based on first-hand experience, i admit.
November 14, 2005 @ 9:26 pm | Comment