Abstract

In the eighties, the Berlin wall was shaken by faxed, telephoned and broadcast reports which overwhelmed state sanctioned news and helped the deconstructions of Stalinist confections of reality. In contemporary mainland China, the state monopoly of foreign news is being undermined by growing usage of the Internet, which can allow access to the international free market of ideas. But such ‘democratic competition also promises to challenge Western information orders; with profound implications for foreign correspondets and international news agencies which have dominated international news production and distribution since the last century. Now anyone with a computer, a modem and Internet account can read dozens of newspapers, and share their views with others around the world. On-line reporters can access distant databases to research their stories. They can ask questions and receive tips via email. As a result, international news need no longer be the preserve of the elites. But will this new technology enhance accurate globalized journalism or merely accelerate the trend towards superficial instant reports which are little more than rumour styled as news?

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