The Abortive 1956 Reform of Chinese Journalism

Transitional Media vs. Normative Theories: Schramm, Altschull, and China

“…In Schramm's words, the Soviet mass media "are 'kept' instruments, and they follow humbly and nimbly the gyrations of the party line and the state directives" (Siebert et al, 1956, p. 122). A similar high-handed media control system also existed in the Soviet's satellite states in Eastern Europe (Buzek, 1964;Lendvai, 1981) and Mao's China (Chang, 1989;Huang, 2002;Lu, 1980;Sun, 1986;Yu, 1988). In contrast to this, post-Mao China has been moving away from such an orthodox communist media control system and approaching a more flexible media regulation pattern as a result of significant changes in Chinese politics in general.…”

“…123, 124, 133, 134, 136, & 137). Although Schramm's description of the Soviet press was basically suitable to Mao's Chinese press as well (e.g., see Chang, 1989;Huang, 2002;Lu, 1980;Sun, 1986;Yu, 1988), it would be news in itself if one believed it is an accurate picture of post-Mao Chinese journalistic practices. As shown in the existing literature, the past decades have witnessed diversification of media structure, expansion of media function, and comprehensive media commercialization in China (e.g., Chan, 1993;Chu, 1994;Huang, 2001;Lee, 1994Lee, , 2000Yu, 1994;Zhao, 1998).…”