Introduction
Peter Petros, a journalist working for The New York Times weekly publication was very excited when he was appointed by the directors of his media house to travel to China to cover the Olympics Games that were to take place in Beijing, China on 8th August 2008. He boarded the Air Emirates plane which touched down at the local airport in the morning and was delighted to fill his lungs with the refreshing air of the city. He was escorted to the Center where the journalists were residing. As the first heat was to take place two days after he decided to board a bus explore the larger City of Beijing with its cool air. It is when he came across a fellow journalist who was working for the British Broadcasting Corporation who was heading to the Tibet region of China and decided to join her. However at a road block they were arrested and thrown in the prison their equipments confiscated and denied any communication even with their families. They were only released after the Olympic events were over and hurriedly ordered to go back home.
Peter is just a representation of many such cases that have continually taken place in this huge country of China. So one may wonder how the media operates in the country and whether there were any changes after the successful Olympic games this year. Severally, it has been reported how the journalists and the writers have been harassed by being fined, arrested, beaten, imprisoned, demoted and fired by or with the full knowledge of the Chinese authority.
There are about forty Journalists in China who are in Custody because of exposing corruption deeds of Chinese that holds high positions in the government. Some of the convicts have been arrested for fighting for reforms of the Chinese governments to accommodate voices of the common people (Beach, 2008).
Potter Stewatt stated that “Censorship reflects society’s lack of confidence in itself. It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime.” Therefore if there is censorship on the media in China then it may be right to conclude that the China’s government is authoritarian. This essay clearly shows that the media in China is under censorship before and after the 2008 Olympic games (Beach, 2008).
China media history
China media history can be traced from 1956 where a computer scientist by the name Xia Peisu worked on and edited an article whose topic was Computer Theory. Apart from being a computer scientist, Xia Peisu was a renowned designer. By the year 1958, China produced the electronic tube computer. With the help of these computers, publication of information in form of journals was initiated in the republican of China. By 1974, China media had developed integrated circuit computer and information processing machines. Using these machines, the media was able to produce large scale publications. Today, China boasts ultra modern media houses that use state of the art press machines (Yuezhi , 1998).
Chinese media status
The Chinese government is heavily involved in the affairs of the media of that country. A majority of the more established media organizations such as the Peoples daily, CCTV and Xinhua are all subsidiaries of the Chinese government. In mainland China, three are certain taboos subjects that not even the media may attempt to question. Such includes the legitimacy of the Chinese communist party. a great deal of the astounding diversity in mainland China has come about due to dwindling government subsidies (Yuezhi Zhao ,1998).The expectation then is that such media organization should be able to generate revenues by way of commercial advertising (1). Consequently, the government subsidiaries no longer act as the government’s mouthpiece. Instead, they are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the programs that they produce are interesting and attractive, in order to boost viewer ship and consequently, increase revenues. In addition is credit worth to note that the Chinese government may employ the government machinery and resources to intimidate the media (Beach, 2008).
China’s Government Influence on media
The Chinese government has influence on media thus creating both positive and negative results. The party ruling China is People Republic of China (PRC). Since its establishment in 1949, it has gained power and strong foundation. The government has used its political might to control the media. The government has managed to control flow of information accessed by the public. This is an infringement on people’s right to freedom of information (Yuezhi Zhao, 1998). Control of media by the Chinese government puts the population at risk politically since they are always in the dark. Despite these restrictions, people still have access to information due to development in information technology. For example, people living within Fujian boarder have access to information using Taiwan’s Television and Radio signals. Using such information leakages, researchers in the media industry are able to study results of media control on political behavior in addition to political orientation. A commitee to protect the journalists (2008) in China reports how a Shaghai newspaper reported how miners were trapped when hot water flooded two mines. After two weeks, the owners of the mines, the local officials and the Central government stated that the report was false. Journalists were initially not allowed to visit the site and the later the mine owners visited the families of the victims and offered them much money so that they could “keep their mouths shut.” Later it was revealed that eighty one miners had died (Beach, 2008).
Major media organizations in China include People’s Daily, Xinhua as well as CCTV. It is a taboo for media within China to question or criticize the legitimacy of (CPC) also known as Communist Party of China. Despite such restrictions, the media is vibrant and diversified to provide avenues for discussion of social related issues (Beach, 2008).
- One factor that has contributed in diversification of media in China is withdrawal of government funding to media. In the past, it was the responsibility of government to fund media houses however; today that funding is crapped off. To increase revenues, media companies use adverts as source of revenue. To attract viewers, the media houses air captivating programs to enhance advertisement. Some of these programs comprise of episodes talking about political and social issues in China in addition to other parts of world.
- Control of media by the government is fruitless because of new methods of communication. For example, introduction of mobile phones has enhanced communication on social and political matters effecting China population through text messaging. For example, alternative communication methods such as faxing have been used in conveying both political and social matters. During the outbreak of SARS, medical personnel used fax machines to convey messages to relevant media houses.
Ownership of China media
The Chinese media belongs to the government since it is owned by the communist community that forms the Chinese government. This explains why the government has power to control the media and contents released to the public (People’s Daily, Qiu Shi, 2003). Survival of media in China is not dependent on the market but on government. This is contrary in democratic countries.
Media censoring in China
Olympics held in Begin, China in 2008 served as an eye opener considering media censorship by the Chinese government. This has resulted to chaos from international community. Among the complaints includes harassment of journalists by government as well as introduction of content monitoring systems. Growth of Chinese economy has participated in growth of media diversity in this country. The government intends to use media as a tool to uphold power (McDonald, 2006).
China’s media policy
In the recent past, China has emerged as a major player within the global economy. The task before the authorities is balancing the ever growing need of information and government’s goal of censoring the media. The Chinese government’s media policy is censoring the media with an intention of maintaining power and dominance. According to Elizabeth’s, Chinese government is facing a dilemma over the media policy. The government has the knowledge about the necessity of media freedom but fears a possible downfall should media freedom be granted.
As President Hu Juntao of China was elected, media freedom expectations were high but that was never happened because his government increased regulations related to the media policy. This includes increased prosecutions in addition to arrests of journalists. Despite media restriction put in place by Hu Juntao administration, Chinese media is experiencing a revolution due to increased media commercialization. This has led to growth of competition among media centers in an attempt to gain clients (Yuezhi , 1998).
Increased competition has led to growth of content diversity as well as increased investigative reporting. China comprises of about two thousand newspapers, eight thousands magazines plus three hundred and forty seven television stations. The country records approximately a hundred and fifty internet users. This is despite government’s regulations on online contents.
According to Chinese media policy, only state owned companies or agencies have a mandate to own a media company however, despite this regulation; private individuals in addition to private companies own media houses as economy grows. There is hope for China media because the internet is a promising tool towards media reforms.This is attributed to minimal ability to control internet content (Beach, 2008).
Media censoring agencies in China
There are several government agencies whose objective is censoring the media. They are also involved in establishment of laws that regulate flow of information to and from China. The main censoring agents include the General Administration of Press (GAPP) in addition to State Administration of Press and Publications (SARFT). GAPP Holds the authority of terminating outlets. It still scrutinizes all written publications before being relayed to the public from either the internet or newspapers. Another responsibility of GAPP includes issuing licenses to publishers in China. On the other hand, SARFT censors information aired by both Radio and Television companies. It also has responsibility over internet publications.
The most influential and powerful censoring body is Communist Party’s Central Propaganda Department abbreviated as (CPD). This body coordinates with SARFT in addition to GAPP to ensure media content corresponds with government doctrines. CPD restricts media companies from airing political sensitive issues such as environmental disasters in addition to protests against the government. Organizations fighting for press freedom in China believe state owned media houses exist as propaganda tools aimed at protecting Government interests and power.
Journalists who fail to follow CPD’s guidelines face ruthless punishment. For instance, Shi Tao is one of the victims who have been jailed for ten years for publicizing CPD’s guidelines on reporting. On this particular case, Shi Tao publicized CPD guidelines concerning 15-year anniversary events held in Tiananmen Square on the internet. One of the complaints raised by organizations fighting for media freedom includes ruthless treatment of journalists.
According to a blog by the Chinese students,China still has the highest cases in the world in detaining journalists and writers (Students global Blog 2008). According to the report, 35 Chinese and 51 writers were still in prison as the article was being written and most of them were arrested after the Olympic games. A good example is “Shi Tao, a journalist and a poet, was sentenced to ten years in prison because of an e-mail sent to an overseas website. Another victim of media intimidation is Dr. Xu Zerong imprisoned for thirteen years because of publishing about the Korean War.
How Сhina controls its media
Because the government monopolizes the media houses it becomes then very easy for it to manipulate it by determining the content to be published. The government punishes media personalities such as journalists who tint the government’s image by publishing sensitive and controversial material. Apart from using censoring agencies, the government uses punitive measures to control the media. Example of methods used includes;
Dismissals or demotions
This is the main method used to punish journalists who infringe on government’s sensitive matters. Editors who go against CPD guidelines are not spared. This scares journalists, editors as well as other media professionals from publishing contentious issues. For example the demotion of deputy editor of the Chief Qian Gang of the Southern Weekend when they published an article about a gang led by the Hunan Province native Zhang Jun that had killed twenty eight people in a spree of murder and theft. The paper was also publishing articles that involved poverty and forms of discrimination. In addition the news section chief and reporter were fired and banned from ever working in journalism again.
Libel
This is another method used by the government to scare journalists as well as editors. Once a media outlet or journalist publishes critical information on the internet, the victim is accused of libel (McDonald, Joe. China Bans, 2006) and when taken to court the journalist and/or the media house involved are forced to pay a very huge amount of money to the government or its officials..
Fines
This is another punitive method used to streamline media outlets. This is according to Emergency Response Law passed in 2007 by the Chinese government. This law bans publishing and airing of information regarding riots in addition to disasters. Any house or journalists who violate this law is fines up to $12,500((Xinhua News Agency, 2007)
New outlets closure
Another punitive measure includes closure of outlets that dish out information contrary to CPD guidelines (McDonald, 2006).
Imprisonment
This acts as an alternative means of curtailing the media freedom. In 2007, a total of 29 journalists were jailed because of publishing controversial material via internet. This reflected the highest figure of Journalists arrest globally as per CPJ. Apart from Shi Tao, another example of journalist arrested includes Ching Cheong of straight Times. Ching Cheong was arrested and jailed for 5 years because of publishing controversial stories about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders (McDonald, 2006).Shi Tao, A forty seven man in China was arrested and imprisoned for ten years in prison for sending an email on to a New York based website about the government warning those who had witnessed Tianmen massacre, the information which the government stated was a top secret Dowell W.T., 2006).
How journalists and media outlets survive tough media regulations
Although the Chinese government has imposed tough rules and regulations on media, journalists as well as media outlets have secretive ways of conveying news to the rest of the world. This is enhanced by advancement of technology where new equipments are used to pass information despite censoring agencies. China has more than 50,000 internet monitors where both editors as well as journalists publicize their findings via the internet. Majority of journalists use blogs where they criticize government using humorous ideologies as well as satire.
Influence of Olympic Games on Сhina media
When the Olympic torch was received in London with major protests, the media houses way of reporting was confusing showing the government involvement using propaganda on the nation’s media. While one newspaper reported that the torch had been received warmly, another reported that it was marred by protests. This indicated the real trouble that the journalists in that country find themselves when it comes to the reporting (Indiaserver 2008). Before the Olympic games foreign journalists were rarely or not at all allowed to cover events in China. The local ones were strictly monitored and could not report for the foreign media houses unless it was only on the positive aspects of the the nation.
Olympic Games played a vital role in revolution of china’s media. In normal circumstances, foreign media and journalist must have permits to air matters concerning Chinese government. Information published by foreign journalists must be closely monitored and adjusted according to CPD regulations. During Olympic Games of 2008, Chinese government scraped regulations in order to cover the games extensively (Tmp, 2008).
According to the two documents signed by the government, international journalists had freedom throughout China to cover the Olympics. China was to provide services that were first class to the foreign media which included comfortable accommodation and proper working environment. They were also to be provided with transportation means for quicker games’ coverage. Visiting journalists were allowed freedom to report not only in the Olympics environs but in any place in China. It is reported in the same magazine that the foreign journalists were allowed to conduct person to person interview with any Chinese citizen as long as he or she was willing. Two centers which hosted over twenty thousand accredited journalists were established one being the main Press Center and the International Broadcast Center.
Foreign Journalists were allowed to cover the games with no required permits. Before the Games commenced, Chinese prime minister signed a decree which gave foreign journalists the mandate to report on the games without interference. The journalists also had the freedom of interviewing individuals during the games. The agreement signed by Chinese Prime Minister was to last from January 2007 to October 2008.
Olympic games 2008 serve as a good example that Chinese media has a chance of changing when necessary pressure is mounted on the government. Several organizations in addition to western countries push for reforms considering the country’s media.
Despite some reforms on the positive gestures on the media coverage, there were reported cases of some journalists being harassed by the Chinese authorities. According to some reports dished by Foreign Correspondence Club (FCC) some journalists were either harassed or attacked during the Olympic Games 2008 grace period. According to an electronic article by Asia pacific News(2008), New York – Chinese journalists covering the summer Olympics were placed under greater scrutiny by Beijing authorities, who also shut down access to sensitive internet sites by the large foreign media at the sports event (Tmp, 2008).
Clubs such as FCC in association to western countries cry out for such injustices. Another outcry posed by FCC includes censoring of both local in addition to foreign internet content using skills offered by companies which includes Google, Yahoo in addition to Microsoft (Tmp, 2008).
23 point regulations
Already, plans are underway in Beijing to implement to the fullest the foreign media regulations that were enacted during the 2008 Olympic Games. Should this happen, then this shall act as an indication that the government of the Chinese republic has relaxed sanction imposed on the media. This is according to the information availed by human rights watch group. This announcement was made on 17th October, 2008.
Through this novel 23-point regulation, the Chinese government has is seen to have embraced the fundamental rights of reporters. This is inclusive of the freedom guaranteed to foreign-based correspondents when they set to interview, even when they do not have any official permission. Besides, the new regulations also act as a yardstick of the amount of freedom that the foreign-based media in China enjoys.
Sophie, the Human Rights Watch advocacy director for Asia posited the stance of Chinese republican to execute these reforms is a sure mark of an improved media freedom in China. Nevertheless, Richardson further opines that the struggle is far from over.
Richardson further provides that the battle shall only have been won when all the journalists, especially those in China shall be able to exercise their journalistic right, as well as report within the confines of international; was, and the constitution of China. The temporary regulation of the freedom of foreign-based media in China came into effect as of 1st of January, 2007, up to 17th October, 2008.
Thanks to the Olympics rules, a certain clause that required foreign-based correspondents to first seek for the permission of the Chinese government before they could interview Chinese citizens. The press freedom associations such as the Human Rights Watch have revealed instances where goverement machinery was used wrongly to cause physical assault to citizens and especially Journalist for exposing the evils of the officials that holds high ranks in China.
Clearly, this was done in total violation of these short-term regulations. Besides, this has been seen by many critics as a double standard, seeing that the journalists from China were never affected by the short-term regulations. The freedom of the press has explicitly been guaranteed by Article 35 of mainland China constitution. In spite of this, reporters from China have always been held hostage by official propaganda dictates of the system. Already, 26 journalists have been imprisoned on work-related grounds. A majority of them have been charged unambiguously, on such grounds as a revealing of the secrets of the stat (Michael, 2005).
According to the Human Rights Watch, the amount of discrimination and abuses that have been heaped on Chinese journalists tends to be extremely discriminatory. This is when such abuses and restriction are compared to those that are often received by foreign media, as per the now new and permanent regulation governing the freedom of foreign media. However even after the Olympics journalists are still free to cover incidences in China. There are reported cases of journalists still being arrested and charged for covering or reporting anti government information. For example, a Chinese reporter who was investigating the suspicious real estate deal was taken by unknown people in to a vehicle and after two weeks was charged with bribery in the court of law(Harrison, 2008). He is just one of many journalists who the fellow journalists say are being harassed by the government for exposing corrupt deals masterminded by the government officials. Another female reporter from China Central Television who was investigating the prosecutors for corrupt deals was seized and accused of taking bribes (Harrison, 2008).
Anather incident of bad use of government machinery by the Chinese officials is when a Belgian reporter, Tom Van de Weghe and his crew from Flemish public television VRT who had visited China was beaten by men hired by Henan when they were interviewing aids groups (Michael, 2005).
China’s reaction to outside pressure
The outside world has criticized China for its draconian laws concerning the media. Majority of critics come from western countries under democracy. In response to critics, China has started to reform its media sector. One of government’s agenda is improvement of China’s economy. State owned media houses concentrate on this topic thus the greatly improved economic growth. Media houses snob sensitive issues such as environmental issues and political instability however, in the recent past; government authorities have discovered the need of media freedom in order to discuss issues such as environmental degradation. Matters concerning weather changes due to factors such as global warming must be addressed by every nation according to United Nations directives. Global warming is mainly caused by fumes released by industries. To participate in such forums, China has no choice but to open up its media in order to sensitize its public on such matters (Michael, 2005).
How Сhina is different from other Olympic host in media control
Compared to other states, China’s media is characterized by heavy government interference thus minimizing media freedom. The main reason behind this is protection of government’s power and governance. Western countries such as America and Britain have independent media thus enhancing the freedom of expression. Countries in the west do not advocate for establishment of censoring agencies that control media houses and contents. In China, this privilege is not enjoyed since the government has established agencies that control media. Another difference between China media and media owned by western countries is on the issue of foreign journalists (Lhasa, 2008).
In China, a foreign journalist must have a permit issued by the Chinese government authorities. In other countries such as Britain and America, foreign journalists require only a work permit. Another significant disparity between Chinese media and democratic countries such as America is on the issue of media ownership. In China, majority of media houses are owned by the government thus they serve as government mouth pieces. In other countries, private individuals have the right of owning media stations without government interferences (Lhasa, 2008).
Efforts of Chinese government to improve media
In the recent past, the Chinese government has welcomed reforms in the media sector. This is after realizing importance of media freedom regarding development of a country. Chinese media regulation through state owned censoring agencies have played a role towards growth of economy through public sensitization on economic matters. Censoring media on critical matters concerning the government has reduced riots against the government thus the public concentrate on economy growth (Lhasa, 2008).
Issues concerning the environment which comprise global warming in addition to environmental pollution have gained international concern. The United Nations considers global warming as a threat to human existence on earth due to its impacts on climate change. As a result of such cases the Chinese government has realized the need to enhance media freedom so that it can enlighten the public issues pertaining to environment and social matters (Beach, 2001).
The government agreement to remove media regulations from January 2007 to October 2008 showed its commitment and willingness to support media freedom reforms. This was triggered by Olympic Games of 2008. During this time, harassment of foreign journalists was reduced. During this period, foreign journalists experienced rare freedom where they did not require mandatory license from the government. Although there are claims that some foreign journalists and editors were attacked and also arrested during Olympics 2008, at least the government showed its commitment towards media freedom by prime minister signing the freedom accord (Beach, 2001).
.Another gesture of Chinese government towards media freedom was granting foreign journalists a go ahead to interview individuals during the Olympics 2008. In normal circumstances, a foreign journalist must secure a permit from the government in order to interview individuals (Beach, 2001).
. Another positive gesture of Chinese government includes its support for Human right watch dog which advices on past investigation concerning violations of human rights. Some regulations recommended by watch dogs groups include abolishment of media regulations. A factor raising much concern about Chinese media status is matters concerning Tibet’s independence from China’s involvements. Human rights groups as well as western countries have pushed China to halt its influence on Tibet. According to China’s administration, Tibet is under China rule therefore free Tibet movement is considered as a separatist movement by the China’s administration.Calls by western countries in addition to UN to free Tibet has not impressed China authorities. According to China’s administration, such calls are interference of China internal affairs despite China being a sovereign state. According to Chinas response to criticism, western countries and organizations calling for Tibet freedom are scared of China’s impressive economy (Beach, 2001).
Progress of Сhina media and human rights since 2001
Since the year 2001, the Chinese government has recorded some progress on respect of human rights through legal systems. Other notable improvements lie within the media where some restraints on foreign media have been scrapped off. Western authorities have also noted this progress concerning China’s dedication to respect human rights and media (Ashley, 2005).
Chinese government’s strategy is development towards democracy and national unity. As a result of these reform strategies, China has opened to global market thus improving China’s economy in a tremendous way (Ashley, 2005).
Another commitment of Chinese government is improving general living standards of Chinese population especially in the rural areas. Following economic success, China has greatly improved living standard of its citizens by creating enormous economic opportunities and avenues (Ashley, 2005).
After hosting Olympic Games 2008, China earned a good reputation as a modern country. Despite the economic leap, Olympic Games paved the way towards media reforms.
Works Cited
- Ashley, E. (2005). State Strategies for controlling China’s commercial media. London: Oxford University press
- Beach, S. (2001). China Briefing. New York: Prentice Hall
- Harrison, G. E., & Le Yu (2008). Chinese reporter chasing corruption claims disappears. Chicago: Chicago Publishing Press.
- Lhasa R. (2008). The real China and the Olympic. London: Cambridge University Press.
- Michael M. (2005).Down with the Chinese tyrants. Hong Kong: North West University.
- McDonald, J. (2006). China Bans ‘Simpson’ From Prime-Time TV: Associated Press.
- Yuezhi Zhao 1998, Media, Market, and Democracy in China. Chicago: University of Illinois Press.
- Tmp, 2008. Media ensuring media freedom during the Olympics. Hong Kong: North West University Press