ABSTRACT
The current media landscape in China is the result of a series of significant processes of configuration and reconfiguration during the long river of Chinese history in general, and a turbulent modern period in particular, and is characterized by several contradictory and contesting logics. Modern Chinese newspapers were born when China was in a comprehensive state of crisis, both internally and externally. The media under the Republic of China was controlled by the government, though there was a robust private media industry with some degree of freedom, tolerating Communist editorials calling for a democratic polity with multi-party governance. In keeping with the overall political culture, the media also turned radical. In broadcasting media, any content damaging the image of workers, peasants and soldiers, or praising enemies was forbidden. Grassroots media, mainly based on easy access to affordable mobile Internet by the majority, are mushrooming in a fractured Chinese society.
