ESWN has translated an article in yWeekend, which includes interviews with the two reporters who have done the most extensive investigations into the murder of Lan Chengzhang. In it, investigative journalist Wang Keqin says:
The situation of news bureaus was caused by the “real problem” of the illegal coal mines. The two roads from the illegal coal mines and the news bureaus are obviously the cause of death of Lan Chengzhang, such that his beating death was inevitable. Thus, our whole report followed these two roads.
On one hand, the illegal coal mine generate so much money that the mine bosss could afford to be indifferent to deaths. When a mine accident occurs, the boss will pay some money. The local government will try to cover up because it does not want any tarnish on its political accomplishments. On the other hand, the reporter has the “duty” to make “enough money” for the news bureau.
When these two roads converge, Lan Chengzhang has no chance of survival. On one hand, there is the wealthy and ruthless mine boss. On the other hand, there is the continuous stream of real and fake reporters who want a piece of the pie. In the end, one side will lose control. The death of “Lan Chengzhang and others like him” must be said to be inevitable under this system. [Full text]
