Broadcast Media in China Put On Notice

Communist Party leaders in China have issued strict guidelines for broadcasters that require praise for the nation's socialist system of governance rather than protection of individual leaders. Still, officials in power often rely on such controls to prevent negative coverage that could be linked to them individually. The controls could also squash complaints of party conservatives who criticize the fast pace of economic development throughout China, which often bears an uncanny resemblance to unrestrained capitalism. Analysts anticipate crackdowns on media reports throughout 2007 before the party’s national meeting next fall. Such media controls can’t possibly mask corruption, greed or other problems obvious to all – instead, the guidelines block reasonable public analysis and discussion that might lead to solutions and stability. – YaleGlobal