Formation and Codification of Professional Ethical Norms of Journalism in Modern China

Abstract

The article discusses the concept of journalistic ethics in the PRC, documents codifying ethical norms, as well as the basic principles that guide Chinese journalists in their professional activities. The authors identify principles of the ethics of journalists in the modern PRC: conducting professional work in the interests and in accordance with the values of the CPC; perceiving information as something to be given, as news to be reliably told to the general public. The journalist must be an exemplary representative of Chinese society who is able to inspire and lead the people of the PRC. This statement, according to the analyzed survey, is supported by the majority of journalists in China. Less attention is paid to practical recommendations for the work of journalists than to ideological postulates from both the government, the controlling organization, and the journalistic community.