Bossons1/4 I was surprised today when a friend sent me a #Twitter thread from Bibek Bhandari, a now-former reporter at #Chinese state-backed media outlet #SixthTone, outlining his decision to leave the publication. I always enjoyed reading Bibek's work, and I'm sure he'll leave big shoes to fill at SixthTone. I'll refrain from recapping the whole thread, as it is very long, but you can find it here: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1656251860133769217.html
2/4 My takeaways from his thread are twofold. For one, I am surprised by Bibek's surprise that the gov came down hard on #SixthTone's coverage of #ZeroCovid. Since #Xi has come to power, #China's state-run #media has been notoriously strict regarding topics, tone, and timing; the state censorship apparatus is a sharp sword. I know this firsthand because I worked in the Chinese gov media apparatus for years. Bad news isn't welcome - this isn't a secret. #journalism #pressfreedom #journalists
3/4 Second, I am saddened to see that #SixthTone appears likely to pivot away from some of the hard-hitting coverage that made it #China's last readable state-run #media outlet. I've always been surprised by how much they got away with, from tackling #gender issues to poorly conceived government policies and religious topics. Those days are numbered (perhaps already over), and the publication's new 'risk control officer' is likely partially to blame!
#journalism #pressfreedom #journalists
#journalism #pressfreedom #journalists
4/4 Finally, the insights into the company culture at #SixthTone are damning, particularly the allegations that female hires are required to take an HCG test (pregnancy test). I hope things at the SixthTone office change for the better. But for now, I wish Bibek the best of luck in his future endeavors.
#China #media #journalism #pressfreedom #journalists #toxicworkplace #womensrights