Posted on 05/19/2008 3:37:24 AM PDT by CarrotAndStick
Until now, China's media has been given unprecedented freedom to cover the country's earthquake disaster.
But now the state propaganda machine has moved to curb coverage and ensure that what news does get out is patriotic and uplifting.
Foreign journalists, who for the past week have been free to travel and report without restriction, have also been told they will now need special passes to visit the earthquake zone.
China's state CCTV has begun telling the story the way the Government wants it to be told.
The Chinese Government has restricted media freedom again after damaging reports. (File photo) (Getty Images: Paula Bronstein)
Premier Wen Jia Bao and President Hu Jintao have been seen over and over again dispensing advice, personally taking control, and hugging and patting the sick and bereaved.
Tearful children, left orphaned by the quake, have been given assurances by the leaders that the state will take care of them.
A key event appears to have come at the end of last week, when the unprecedented openness of coverage led to the questioning of China's Housing Minister at a live, televised news conference.
The Minister was asked about growing disquiet that 7,000 schools had collapsed in the quake and about grieving parents claiming that local Government corruption had resulted in the schools being built with substandard materials and in contravention of building codes.
The Minister promised a full investigation, but there was continued vigorous pursuit of the story in the state media.
It was time for China's chief of propaganda, Li Changchun, to step in.
He visited the official news agency Xinhua and the giant CCTV network to deliver a stern reminder to China's media on the angles they should take in their coverage.
Xinhua reported his remarks.
"The ideological frontline of propaganda must deeply and widely publicise the series of important earthquake disaster relief decisions and measures of the Central Party Committee and State Council," Xinhua reported.
Mr Li went on to urge coverage of moving stories on the People's Liberation Army and its rescue efforts, and of the work of party committees and Governments at various levels.
By Sunday there was no mention of substandard schools, and CCTV commentators were interviewing CCTV commentators about how well the Government was doing.
"We have noticed a very distinct style of rescue and relief operations. Many foreign media has labelled this [as] a very successful Chinese-style relief operation," said one commentator.
A second commentator replied: "That testifies to the superiority of our social system. Needless to say that the overseas media, politicians and ordinary viewers and readers really marvel at the efficiency of this system.
"It is indeed a test of our ability to handle the crisis and this is indeed a test to our resolve to reconstruct China after decades of internal struggling."
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23700262-2,00.html
May 15, 2008 01:03am
BUILDERS and local officials in China's earthquake-shattered Sichuan province have been accused of corruption and dodgy construction practices as the grim task of retrieving thousands of trapped bodies continues.
A doctor, who had worked for two days without a break in the ruins of school buildings that entombed 900 students, lashed out at those responsible for sub-standard buildings that failed to protect victims of the earthquake.
"It's nothing but corruption - they must have used sub-standard cement and steel," said Dr Tian, who was reluctant to give his other name.
The first is "tofu buildings", which may have looked fine but were essentially as soft as tofu - partly, many local people believe, because corners were cut in their construction as a result of corruption involving builders and the local officials who contracted and approved their work.
Copyright 2008 News Limited, Australia. All times AEST (GMT +10).
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
we use lots of dental floss for steel.
ping.
One heart—good
One brain—problem
No more pics of rebar that resembles vermicelli?
The most shocking statistic coming out of China is that in the earthquake that has ravaged the country a total of 7,000 schools collapsed.
There's a shocker, a bunch of corrupt officials allowing sub-par materials.
Exactly what to expect from Commies.
Writing, wall.
Nice try, but you're either a bold-faced communist liar or a troll from DU.
Your country sucks and is poisoning our children, pets and our general population with your tainted Rx, vitamins, toys and food additives.
Quit buying into your leader's propaganda BullShit that your country is remotely interested in the safety of others.
Thanks for the ping. I responded.
panax
bttt
The ill things will someday return to themselves.
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