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‘Sing for the new era’: Chinese journalists told to spread the word on Xi Jinping’s ideology

Authorities underline reporters’ propaganda role on Journalists’ Day as Beijing tightens its grip on news and media

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Beijing has tightened control over news since Xi Jinping took power in 2012. Photo: EPA

China has marked Journalists’ Day by reminding its 228,000 reporters of their duties as propaganda workers and to promote the country’s achievements in its “new era”, a centrepiece of President Xi Jinping’s national ideology.

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The call on Wednesday came just weeks after the Communist Party’s national congress and as Beijing continues to tighten its grip over news production.

China was ranked 176 out of 180 countries in this year’s World Press Freedom Index published by advocacy group Reporters Without Borders.

The party has embarked a massive propaganda campaign since the congress, and state media are expected to play a key role in publicising Xi’s new ideology, accomplishments and policy goals.

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Official news agency Xinhua said Chinese journalists were the “witnesses of the great times” and encouraged them to “sing for the new era”.

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