The Generation Of Journalism Objectivity In China(1872～1926)

Journalism objectivity is an important part of journalistic professionalism. With the development of journalism and the introduction of Western theories, Chinese concept of Journalism objectivity comes into being. In this paper, the author takes "journalism objectivity" as the object of study, to explore the background, process and reason of the objectivity, comparing it with American’s. Methods adopted in this paper include:literature research, comparative approach and case study method.In this paper, the time of selected study object was from 1872 to 1926, in which Shen Bao started publication to Ta Kung Pao put forward "Four No" policy. The development of objectivity has its historical background and media ecology. The author analyzes its historical conditions from economic, political, ideological and cultural environment, media and technological progress as well as the press industry.The author thinks that objectivity mainly exists in the thoughts of the Reformers and the Commercial Press. Generally speaking, the former develops earlier than the latter, but there are overlaps too. The early idea of objectivity is reflected in the Reformers’,representing by Wang Tao and Liang Qichao.They propose the independence of speech and objectivity of reporting. However, their theories are contradictory to their practices because of the historic limitations.At first, the commercial newspapers in China, which is represented by Shen Bao, have put emphasis on financial independent. Moreover, they also advocate all-sided, objective and balanced news report. Later on, as the slogan "Four No" publishing in Ta Kung Pao, the objectivity was eventually formed in 1926. By this time many overseas students were engaged in journalism, they wrote and propounded ideas to spread the western theories. Their work facilitated the development of objectivity in academic and the press.However, the development of objectivity in China has not been all plain sailing. "Record whatever has been heard" has had a certain influence on objectivity, and pressure comes from government as well as inducement of finance has also makes the objectivity stagnant. In addition, the author makes a comparison with the generation of objectivity in both China and America. The comparison shows that China is greatly impacted by America, but Chinese news is put under powerful surveillance. "Non-party" has become the mainstream. Objectivity in China is short of operation and incomplete.Finally, the author puts forward three features of Journalism objectivity development in China:firstly, it is generated under the mixture of press organon and commercialization. Secondly, there are different emphases in academic and press. Thirdly, the process of the objectivity generation in China is arduous and tortuous.