Media Reports About Coronavirus Heavily Censored in China
03/17/2020
ZHANG FENG |
A journalist from central China details control and punishment measures the CCP employs on media outlets during the COVID-19 epidemic.
by Zhang Feng
Journalists working during the epidemic.
During the coronavirus outbreak, China’s state-run media was busy playing the role of the CPP’s mouthpiece, doing everything possible to maintain the reputation and stability of the regime.
“In this special time, the
CCP is like a sensitive monster that could snap and bite if touched by accident, so everyone is very cautious,” a staff member at an official media outlet in central China explained to
Bitter Winter, who agreed to talk on the condition of anonymity.
The woman said that the local publicity department issued special requirements to media outlets to be followed during the epidemic. Among them, the bans on direct reporting from other provinces (only the government pre-approved information is allowed to be published), so that the local authorities could control the narrative. Also, journalists could not report about certain topics, like crematorium staff being transferred to Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, or female medical personnel taking drugs to delay menstrual cycle, so they wouldn’t have to change their protective clothing.
Media outlets in some areas were also prohibited from using the Chinese term “援鄂” (
yuánè, meaning, “helping Hubei,” the name of the
Province abbreviated to “鄂” (
è)) because it is a homonym for the term “援惡” (
yuánè, meaning “abetting evil”). The journalist also revealed that to ensure confidentiality, all documents and notices issued in localities are ordered to be copied by hand and conveyed by specially assigned “confidentiality officers.” By not circulating official materials, the CCP hopes to avoid criticism and responsibility if its decrees about the handling of the coronavirus surface in the future.
The government ordered all journalists to closely follow its policies and guidance, threatening to punish them for any sign of disobedience.
https://bitterwinter.org/media-reports-about-coronavirus-heavily-censored/