DOI
10.17077/etd.3k68hv0b
Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Degree
Fall 2012
Degree Name
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Degree In
Mass Communications
First Advisor
Polumbaum, Judy
First Committee Member
Berkowitz, Dan
Second Committee Member
Durham, Frank
Third Committee Member
Havens, Tim
Fourth Committee Member
Tang, Wenfang
Abstract
This study explores the occupational culture of journalism in a Southwestern China metropolis, Kunming, answering the questions of what and how journalists there give meaning to their work through analyzing the substance and form of the journalism culture. Over three months of fieldwork in four different local newspapers revealed a gap between the meanings these journalists aspire and the meanings they can materialize through practice, due to political and economic constraints. As a result, the journalists felt conflicted and deeply frustrated but at the same time tried to push the boundaries in different ways, including active use of digital technology and social media. The study also found that the journalism culture was intrinsically intertwined with the social, cultural and global environment within which it resided, as social conflict, widespread mistrust and global influences played important roles in shaping the meanings the journalists gave to their work. The journalism culture was also one of contradictions and uncertainties, still in the making and changing at a rapid pace. It is a journalism culture of a particular transitional era and place, with Chinese characteristics.
Keywords
Chinese journalists, digital media, globalization, journalism culture, Kunming, social media
Pages
viii, 203 pages
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 193-203).
Copyright
Copyright 2012 Zhaoxi Liu
Recommended Citation
Liu, Zhaoxi. "Journalism culture in Kunming: market competition, political constraint, and new technology in a Chinese metropolis." PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) thesis, University of Iowa, 2012.
https://doi.org/10.17077/etd.3k68hv0b