
Convenient Criticism
Local Media and Governance in Urban China
Dan Chen(Author)
State University of New York Press
Published on 1. October 2020
Book
Hardback
229 pages
978-1-4384-8029-9 (ISBN)
Description
Explains why and how local critical reporting can exist in China despite the kinds of media control that are the hallmarks of authoritarian rule.
Why and how does critical reporting persist at the local level in China despite state media control, a hallmark of authoritarian rule? Synthesizing ethnographic observation, interviews, survey and content analysis data, Convenient Criticism reveals evolving dynamics in local governance and the state-media relationship. Local critical reporting, though limited in scope, occurs because local leaders, motivated by political career advancement, use media criticism strategically to increase bureaucratic control, address citizen grievances, and improve governance. This new approach to governance enables the shaping of public opinion while, at the same time, disciplining subordinate bureaucrats. In this way, the party-state not only monopolizes propaganda but also expropriates criticism, which expands the notion of media control from the suppression of journalism to its manipulation. One positive consequence of these practices has been to invigorate television journalists' unique brand of advocacy journalism.
Why and how does critical reporting persist at the local level in China despite state media control, a hallmark of authoritarian rule? Synthesizing ethnographic observation, interviews, survey and content analysis data, Convenient Criticism reveals evolving dynamics in local governance and the state-media relationship. Local critical reporting, though limited in scope, occurs because local leaders, motivated by political career advancement, use media criticism strategically to increase bureaucratic control, address citizen grievances, and improve governance. This new approach to governance enables the shaping of public opinion while, at the same time, disciplining subordinate bureaucrats. In this way, the party-state not only monopolizes propaganda but also expropriates criticism, which expands the notion of media control from the suppression of journalism to its manipulation. One positive consequence of these practices has been to invigorate television journalists' unique brand of advocacy journalism.
Reviews / Votes
"This book's major contribution is twofold: first, its diverse and rich dataset and, second, its examination of the dynamics of local media control and governance ... this book delivers what it promises and will be of interest to those interested in learning more about the development and the politics of governance, media, journalism and criticism in China." - Europe-Asia Studies"This is an exciting project on an interesting and highly relevant topic. By studying how local leaders in China are using television news programs to discipline street-level cadres and to improve governance for the purpose of career advancement, Chen contributes to our understanding of local state-media relations. Her eloquent analysis shows that, under certain circumstances, controlled critical reporting can be convenient for local leaders, citizens, and media professionals, as well as the authoritarian regime." - Rongbin Han, author of Contesting Cyberspace in China: Online Expression and Authoritarian Resilience
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Albany, NY
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
US School Grade: College Graduate Student and over
Illustrations
10 Tables, black and white; 11 Figures
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
530 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4384-8029-9 (9781438480299)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
10/2020
1st Edition
De Gruyter
from
€84.99
Available for download
Person
Dan Chen is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Richmond.
Content
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Convenient Criticism
2. Tangled Maneuvers
3. Political Edge
4. Keen Partner
5. Criticism and Correction
Conclusion
Appendix A: Ethnographic Observation and Interviews
Appendix B: Content Analysis and Variables
Notes
Works Cited
Index
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Convenient Criticism
2. Tangled Maneuvers
3. Political Edge
4. Keen Partner
5. Criticism and Correction
Conclusion
Appendix A: Ethnographic Observation and Interviews
Appendix B: Content Analysis and Variables
Notes
Works Cited
Index