Mass Communication and National Development in China: Media Roles Reconsidered

This study examines the development of mass media in China in the past four decades. Television has become the most rapidly developing medium, while film and wired broadcasting (loudspeakers) have declined. The growth of print media seems to be leveling off, although the number of titles was on the rise in the late 1980s. Growth in the number of radio receivers also slowed down in the late 1980s. The author suggests that the rapid growth of television at a time when China is experiencing its fastest economic growth may well indicate a mutually reinforcing relationship. The author argues that television and entertainment may play an important role in economic growth since they may help build consensus and maintain social stability.