While foreign journalists have recently faced visa delays and denials in China, their Chinese counterparts must now go through extensive training and take a revised examination with a focus on the “Marxist view of journalism” in order to renew their press credentials. One reporter posted to Weibo a PowerPoint slide from a recent training session:
@Coley测试版: From journalism training. For real.
新闻培训中，真相了。
1. News focuses on information, propaganda on format.
第一，新闻重信息，宣传重形式。
2. News focuses on originality, propaganda on repetition.
第二，新闻重新异，宣传重重复。
3. News focuses on fact, propaganda on opinion.
第三，新闻重事实，宣传重观点。
4. News focuses on the timely, propaganda on timing.
第四，新闻重时效，宣传重时机。
5. News focuses on communication, propaganda on manipulation.
第五，新闻重沟通，宣传重操纵。
6. News focuses on balance, propaganda on spin.
第六，新闻重平衡，宣传重倾斜。
The slide is not a reminder to stick to the news. The study guide for the new exam explains, “Unlike Western countries, the most important function of news media in our country is to be the ears, eyes, throat and tongue for the Party and the people.”
On that note, journalists have also been circulating “free tips” (福利贴) for the exam online:
Journalists across the country are renewing their press credentials. Among the far-flung victims are a few master students who have figured out the mystical pattern [of the exam], shared here for the benefit of all. Multiple choice: If there’s an answer that’s the Party, choose the Party; if not, choose the people. Check all that apply: Choose both the Party and the people; remember that the Party hasn’t done propaganda. Essay question: The Party is right, the people are only right when they are with the Party.
全国新闻记者重新考证上岗，遍野哀鸿中，学霸摸索出神规律，转发益街坊：单选题：有党选党，没党选人民。多选题：党和人民一起选，记住党没有搞宣传。判断题：党是对的，人民要和党一起才对。
Via CDT Chinese. Translation by Mengyu Dong.
