China Media Project’s David Bandurski notes a speech given by propaganda chief Li Changchun on Friday, in which he explained the relevance to news media of the recent official emphasis on cultural development. From Bandurski’s introduction and the translated description of the speech from state media, respectively:
Li Changchun’s speech signals again that despite all of the language this month about cultural innovation, advancement and refulgence, the Party’s fundamental attitudes and policies toward culture — and toward news media in particular — have not changed.
The media must “guide public opinion” domestically, and to the extent possible also internationally, while they continue to operate at profit-making enterprises creating products attractive to the masses, thereby contributing to overall GDP growth.
Li Changchun stressed that the sixth plenum of the 17th Central Committee of the CCP that just closed was an extremely important meeting taking place in the midst of a critical period in the comprehensive building of a moderately wealthy society and a key phase in the reform and development of culture. Study, propagation and implementation of the spirit of the meeting must be the foremost task of the journalistic front (新闻战线) at present, using deep and sound propaganda to unify the ideas of the Party, the nation and various peoples over the spirit of the meeting, cohering their intelligence and strength around implementing the [policy] programs of the meeting.”
See also coverage of new regulations requiring that more time and prominence be given to TV news, via CDT.
