Introduction
The role of modern media in Western culture had been well examined by social scientists. Media in this culture has been used to entertain, inform and, perhaps most importantly, persuade. While the pervasive presence of the media in Western culture may lead one to believe that this institution has a propaganda-like impact on the masses, the reality is that with so much freedom of the media, many Westerners take for granted the ability to access critical information in a timely manner. Although Western media may be responsible for propaganda—in its efforts to shape the way that viewers perceive a particular news story—the reality is that Westerners enjoy a high degree of media saturation that allows them to acquire information.Despite the fact that the Western media enjoys the fullest expression of freedom, the ability of many individuals to recognize this freedom has been muted. With this in mind, there is a clear impetus to better understand how control of the media can impact the ability of the individual to acquire information. Utilizing this as a basis for investigation, this research considers the case of China and the government's control of its media. Specifically, this investigation examines how the Chinese government's control of the media impacts society and culture in this country.
[...] By utilizing a system of strict government ownership of the media, the Chinese government has been able to ensure that this control remains a central focus of social and media development in the country. With this structure in place, the Chinese government has managed to retain control over the media and reduce negative international publicity. Despite the fact that the government retains considerable control of the media in China, there is evidence to suggest that regulations toward limiting media content have abated in recent years. [...]
[...] Chinese media habitually conceal[ed] facts and consciously promote[d] falsehoods, reporting nothing but happy news about the Communist system in China.”[5] While a review of China's political history clearly demonstrates why media control in Chinese society developed, what remains difficult to understand is why this trend has continued. Beginning in the late 1980s, the communist system began to collapse. Despite this however, China remained somewhat committed to continuing the socialist tradition in China. As a direct result of this change, the economic system that existed under communism in China began to dissolve, as China moved toward a more capitalistic, free market system. [...]
[...] They need access to market information and, if not wired, risk being shut out of the increasingly Internet-based supply chains of foreign buyers such as American retail giant Wal-Mart.”[29] What this effectively suggests is that if the Chinese government continues to its efforts to control the Internet in the same ways that is has controlled other media outlets, Chinese society will fail to grow and thrive. Thus, the decision by the government to allow the Internet to thrive is predicated on a basic economic need for the country to remain economically competitive in a globalized society. [...]
[...] The Internationalization of Television in China: The Evolution of Ideology, Society and Media Since the Reform. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers Lee, Chin-Chuan. China's Media, Media's China. Boulder, CO: Westview Press Yang, Guobin. Internet and Civil Society in China: A preliminary assessment.” Journal of Contemporary China, 12(36), (2003): 453-475. [1]Chin-Chuan Lee. China's Media, Media's China, (Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1994):23 [2]Chin-Chuan Lee [3]Chin-Chuan Lee [4]Chin-Chuan Lee [5]Chin-Chuan Lee [6]Junhao Hong. The Internationalization of Television in China: The Evolution of Ideology, Society and Media Since the Reform, (Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 1998): 42-4 [7]Junhao, Hong [8]Junhao, Hong [9]Junhao, Hong [10]Junhao, Hong [11]“Back on the leash.” Economist, 367(8440), (2005): 32. [...]
[...] Researchers note that as the Chinese government attempts to enact more subtle control over the media, the end result is a failed effort to deal with the realities that are facing the country at the present time.[16] “China is dealing with issue of internationalization, globalization, local development, poverty reduction, environmental protection, and crucially, the problems of security and stability in a vast, culturally disparate and ethnically non-homogeneous geo-political landscape.”[17] While media could be used as a tool for the government to notably expand society and improve life for millions of citizens, the government is too concerned about the potential for political reform. [...]
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