Media industry comes under investigation in search for 'hidden conditions'

Discipline officers will investigate "hidden conditions" in the media, film and television industries, according to the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection on Thursday.

Such "hidden conditions" often refer to bribes offered to officials or directors in order to increase circulation or advertising, or to improve the impact of TV programs or films.

The inspectors will focus on key areas, including the purchase and sales of film and television plays, large-scale programs, equipment procurement or TV satellite coverage," Li Qiufang, director of the central inspection team dispatched to the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, said on Thursday.

In addition, they will enhance supervision of media advertising, news reporting and overseas correspondence stations to prevent major graft, she said.

"We will develop a better understanding of the regular character and operating methods of any graft, especially any 'implicit rules', to crack down on such cases," Li said.

Statistics from the CCDI show that the top anti-graft watchdog probed 405 graft cases involving the media last year, with 49 media directors placed under investigation on suspicion of corruption.

For example, last year, more than 20 directors and hosts from China Central Television were taken away by discipline officers for alleged graft, including Guo Zhenxi, former director at CCTV's financial channel; Huang Haitao, deputy director at CCTV's program purchasing center; Rui Chenggang, the former well-known host of a CCTV finance program.

Li said that the administration will raise awareness among the media to cultivate proper behavior and clean up the media environment in order to foster its healthy development.

Moreover, the inspectors will strengthen media inspections to collect tips about corruption and motivate the public to report clues about graft.

Hong Daode, a law professor from China University of Political Science and Law, said that the discipline inspection department at each media outlet should also monitor equipment purchases, large-scale projects and organizational management to get rid of corruption.