Paid news related to IPOs has been rampant since the startup board was introduced in 2009. When preparing to be listed on the board, companies hope to avoid negative news about them curbing the process, so they will bribe media outlets and portal sites. Considering the influence of the two media companies involved, namely Roya and 21cbh.com, the case should be a warning to the media industry.
caixin.com, Sept 4
As the so-called "fourth power" of society, the media plays an essential role in social supervision. Journalists in China have made enormous contributions to society by uncovering many scandals, such as expired food or recycled gutter oil being used in restaurants. However, the media should be supervised by society, too, so that it won't fall astray. Legislation is needed to regulate journalists' behavior and protect their rights.
eastday.com, Sept 4
The media mobilizes certain social resources and they should use them properly. By abusing their power and resources for illegal interests, those involved are actually ruining the credibility of the media as a whole.
cnhubei.com, Sept 4
The cancer of corruption in China's media profession has grown big enough to arouse public concern. Those involved have formed whole interest chains, and used new platforms via the Internet, to professionally conduct their illegal activities, and their victims range from ordinary people to executives of listed companies. It is urgent that we get rid of this cancer.
CCTV micro blog, Sept 4
Corruption in journalism has a lot to do with the absence of a professional press law. As there is no written law to regulate the behavior and protect the rights of over 1 million media practitioners, disputes and dangers emerge now and then without any long-term solution. Five years ago, when a similar case happened, I wrote a column calling for legislation, but no progress has been heard until today. The case of 21cbh.com once again shows it is urgent to draft a law for the media industry.
Luo Changping, Sept 4, on Sina Weibo
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