Description
Book SynopsisThis lively book explores individual and societal changes in contemporary China through the compelling personal accounts of young Chinese journalists. China''s media are central to public life in the most populous nation on earth, and have also become increasingly relevant to communication and understanding on a global scale. Through a series of engaging oral histories, Judy Polumbaum puts a human face on vital political and philosophical issues of freedom of expression and information that will shape China''s future. The author''s extended and frank conversations with journalists from a range of news outlets reveal diversity, passion, humor, and optimism that belie the stereotype of journalists as cogs in a rigidly controlled machine. Neither dissidents nor paragons but rather people working day in and day out within China''s existing and evolving media, these talented and ambitious reporters open new windows to understanding Chinese journalism and intellectual life. Some of their ta
Trade ReviewNot only are the journalists included here highly ethical and aware, they're also largely upbeat. . . . Polumbaum's subjects are open and persuasive, and each oral history has charm and detail to spare. * Publishers Weekly *
This book makes for fascinating and very timely reading. . . . Polumbaum and Xiong’s interviewees provide a vivid series of snapshots that enable us to gain a feeling for the fast pace of change [in the journalistic realm]. . . . China Ink’s great virtue is that it offers rich and interesting primary material that, to the best of my knowledge, cannot be found anywhere else, at least in English. * China Beat *
Innumerable pundits have vied to pronounce upon the social and cultural development of the Chinese, but Polumbaum's approach—letting her subjects speak for themselves—appears to be the one now needed most. After putting her interviewees into context with a concise introduction, she simply lets each one recount their own story in a dedicated chapter, resisting the temptation to analyze and conclude, and eschewing clichés such as the prediction that the free market will break down censorship entirely. What results is an unadorned snapshot of a moment in Chinese media, both intimate and unusual. * Time Magazine *
China Ink is a fascinating window onto the world in which Chinese journalists operate. Among the book's most striking revelations is the wide variety of personalities, tactics, values, and aspirations with which they approach their task. -- James Fallows, The Atlantic Monthly
By reading China Ink you will learn more about Chinese media, building codes, swimming and diving, censorship, and writing styles than you could in ten different books—and all of it through the eyes, ears, and pens of significant Chinese journalists. China Ink is both a primer for the beginner and a reinforcement for the frequent visitor and scholar. -- James Harris, founder, Prairie Lights Bookstore
Table of ContentsPreface by Aryeh Neier Introduction by Judy Polumbaum Part I: The Changing Establishment Chapter 1: Wang Jun, Outlook Weekly Chapter 2: Zhou Yijun, Xinhua News Agency Chapter 3: Lin Gu, China Features Chapter 4: Gong Wen, People's Daily Chapter 5: Tan Hongkai, China Daily Chapter 6: Jin Yongquan, China Youth News Part II: Into the Fray Chapter 7: Li Yang, China Newsweek Chapter 8: Liu Jianqiang, Southern Weekend Chapter 9: Hu Zhibin, The First Chapter 10: Zhan Minhui, Beijing News Part III: In the Niches Chapter 11: Lu Yi, Sanlian Life Weekly Chapter 12: Yang Jin, Nationalities Pictorial Chapter 13: Zhang Xuguang, China Sports News Chapter 14: Ma Yin, Titan News Part IV: Over the Air Chapter 15: Liu Qian, China Central Television Chapter 16: Ai Da, Beijing Television Chapter 17: Xiang Fei, China National Radio Part V: New Configurations Chapter 18: Wang Shuo, Finance & Economics Magazine Chapter 19: Liu Zouwei, 21st Century Business Herald Chapter 20: Zhang Lixian, Readers Warehouse
