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China Ink

The Changing Face of Chinese Journalism

Judy Polumbaum author Xiong Lei author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Rowman & Littlefield

Published:29th May '08

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

China Ink cover

This 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 tales could happen only in China; others will resonate with readers everywhere. As the first book to explore experiences and ideas of everyday journalists who are helping to shape their rapidly changing country, this unique and timely work will appeal to all those interested in China's dynamic society.

Not 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

ISBN: 9780742556683

Dimensions: 229mm x 155mm x 15mm

Weight: 331g

214 pages