| The new information and communication technologies break down many of the existing barriers between journalists and the public. However, although the new media can be used to create a greater space for independent news and information within a society, governments can also develop legal and technical measures to control the information flows. This paper will explore the impact of the new media for freedom of the press in terms of circumventing press censorship in China. Although freedom of the press is guaranteed in the Chinese Constitution, contradictions exist between the Constitution and relevant lower-level regulations and policies. The new media not only pose questions for the party-press system and the so-called socialist press freedom in China, but also exert subtle influence on the way information is gathered and distributed in China. Therefore, the new media provide a great opportunity for China to improve its fundamental political relationship---that between the party authorities and the masses. |
