Striking the balance between professionalism and commercialism: A cross-case study on news start-ups in China

Abstract

The conflict between professionalism and commercialism has been a challenge for journalistic practice for decades. Early research on news start-ups in the West reported few possibilities to resolve this conflict. This article draws on interviews and participatory observation of four Chinese news start-ups to examine their efforts to strike the balance. Results indicate that Chinese news start-ups are hybrids of business corporations and social instruments. In this dual operational model, advertorial service is both the rational choice to ensure profits and the root of the conflict between professionalism and commercialism. News start-ups implement business innovations and editorial modifications to cope with the situation. The former expands sources of income, which relieves the economic pressure on the editorial room, while the latter enhances media credibility, which translates to profits. Hence, the Chinese model of entrepreneurial journalism suggests possible directions for rebalancing professionalism and commercialism.