Sixth Tone, a state-backed Chinese media outlet known for its once progressive and open approach to journalism, has faced significant editorial restrictions in recent months, becoming one of the most restricted state media in China, "beyond the likes of Global Times." Reports highlight a shift from its initial openness to a much narrower scope of editorial freedom, with comparisons made to the likes of Global Times, traditionally known for its conservative stance. This change has been attributed to increased censorship and an environment of reverence towards "Xi Jinping worship," impacting the outlet's ability to cover sensitive topics accurately. The situation has drawn attention to the broader challenges faced by media organizations in China, as public security officers have reportedly begun questioning Chinese citizens who follow accounts offering critical analysis of China from overseas. This is described as a "damming read" on the "last breaths" of one of the only mainland Chinese media organizations that dared to tackle sensitive topics.
This is a damming read on the last breaths of the only mainland Chinese media org that dared take on sensitive topics. What stood out to me was the role PRC-style cancel culture played in Sixth Tones undoing. https://t.co/cB13hJgozU https://t.co/m5Y9JcyFtF
Reports that #China’s public security officers are questioning Chinese followers of accounts like the one below which gives analysis of China from overseas that the government doesn’t like. It seems now just following certain accounts can get you into trouble in China. https://t.co/cXQUoVyefC
Excellent piece on the ups and downs of the Chinese state owned media outlet Sixth Tone https://t.co/kFh3fY5Dud
we're live with a new issue of @thewirechina, with a cover story on Sixth Tone, the state media outlet that has withered, and a looked at who's who in advanced logic chips -- at every stage of development, from design to packaging. https://t.co/qQilLDqHuX https://t.co/no5qOvzgK3
Here is part of our WireScreen graphic on the supply chain for advanced logic chips -- looking globally at who produces at each stage of development and the Chinese firms challenging for position. https://t.co/YiTdBsC4WS https://t.co/AEL1knL6Ds
How censorship and Xi Jinping worship is strangling efforts at state-owned English language “Sixth Tone” to report accurately on China. https://t.co/TmCOii5z6m
Fascinating story by @rachel_cheung1 about the plight of @SixthTone. Per one employee: “Sixth Tone went from being one of the most open & progressive Chinese state media to the most restricted in the last few months … beyond the likes of Global Times” https://t.co/TLyVNqYyCI
Sixth Tone's place in China's media ecosystem is much debated — it's state-backed but has covered topics that others like it would avoid. Former staff finish their time there with accounts of gradually narrowing editorial freedom. Story by @rachel_cheung1 https://t.co/Q5Hz9gPlVR