Author Description

"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: Local Media and Governance and Urban China reveals evolving dynamics in local governance and the state-media relationship. Local critical reporting, though limited in scope, occurs because local leaders use media criticism strategically to increase bureaucratic control, address citizen grievances, and improve governance, something that ultimately advances their political careers. This new approach to governance enables the shaping of public opinion while at the same time disciplining subordinate bureaucrats. The Party-state now not only monopolizes propaganda but also expropriates criticism. In other words, we must recognize that media control has evolved within authoritarian politics from the suppression of journalism to its manipulation. Nevertheless, we should not view this in an entirely negative light as these practices enable and invigorate a unique brand of advocacy journalism by China's television journalists"--