Propaganda push hits the presses
A Yunnan propaganda chief ordered local newspapers to run at least 10 pages of special reports trumpeting ethnic unity and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic for six days when President Hu Jintao visited the province.
Under a detailed order issued by Yunnan's deputy propaganda chief, Wu Hao, local newspapers, radio and television were requested to put 'the ultimate effort' into coverage during the six days from July 25, local media sources said.
Economic and social development, border stability and ethnic unity, cultural construction and party organisation consolidation were the four major assigned themes, an internal document showed.
Yunnan Daily and Yunnan Television are the usual outlets for Communist Party-themed propaganda, but all four metropolitan newspapers in Kunming were forced to follow the order and churn out the requisite 10 pages. 'For a city newspaper, 10 pages of such coverage was a nightmare and cost a lot of money,' said one newspaper reporter, who refused to disclose his name.
'Most of the articles were shabby - and we reused many old articles just to meet the quota,' the reporter said.
The order also stated that no negative news should be published, and stories on lawsuits and 'sensational' stories on hot social topics were banned.
All newspapers were ordered to enhance circulation and distribution efforts, and party newspapers were ordered to ensure distribution to the two hotels accommodating the central government officials.
Mr Hu visited Yunnan from July 25 to 28 after a strong earthquake rattled the province, which is home to 25 ethnic groups.
Mr Wu denied yesterday that the sweeping campaign was aimed at flattering Mr Hu, saying the project had been planned a long time ago.
He denied newspapers had been given specific orders, such as the number of pages, adding that all the special reports were prepared to eulogise the great achievement and prosperity Yunnan province had achieved during the past six decades.
