Chinese Journalists Face Marxist Ideology Exam

Leaders in China must be unnerved by assessments from Chinese journalists. The government will require them to pass an exam demonstrating an understanding of communist ideology in early 2014 to keep their press cards. The test is based on a 700-page manual that suggests “the relationship between the party and the news media is one of leader and the led,” reports Jonathan Kaiman for the Guardian. Such methods of censorship intimidate journalists before hands touch keyboards. China has also delayed visas for reporters from foreign news organizations that have investigated corruption in China. The government suggests the new test will improve news quality, but journalists can only shake their heads at blatant attempts at censorship that make the government appear insecure and inept. In a country with more than a billion people, stories of corruption and government problems will be reported. A strong press contributes to a strong society that does not fear criticism. – YaleGlobal