China is challenging the mighty behemoths, Google and Facebook, and creating alternative New Media; 750 million people are on its Social Mediascape and there are a billion mobile phones deploying the innovative apps with which Chinese conduct their lives. Though late starters, already four of the world&;s leading New Media companies are Chinese. China&;s old media&;television, newspapers, radio&;compete with the established powers, long thought unassailable, such as CNN and BBC. Produced in many languages on every continent, they are redefining the agenda and telling the story China&;s way. News and documentary are being followed by entertainment. The world&;s biggest manufacturer of TV drama is now making its stories for export. China&;s Media tells you why and how; it investigates the Chinese media, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they are different. Abjuring the customary casual writing off of China&;s media as "propaganda," this book takes them seriously.
Hugo de Burgh is Professor of Journalism at the University of Westminster and Professor in the School of Media & Communications at Tsinghua University. Previously he was a journalist and television producer for Scottish Television, BBC and (the UK's) Channel4. His previous books include Investigative Journalism and China: Friend or Foe.