China Reporting: An Oral History of American Journalism in the 1930s and 1940s

China Reporting is an oral history that explores how 1930s and 1940s China correspondents constructed their news reality and decided on the legitimacy of sources. It discusses the influences of competition, language facility, personal backgrounds, camaraderie, and changes in American official China policy, with special attention paid to the prescriptive, gatekeeping role of editors back home.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

China Reporting is a captivating oral history that delves into the intricate process by which the China correspondents of the 1930s and 1940s crafted their news reality or the network of facts upon which their stories were built. It explores the fascinating dynamics of how these individuals gathered information, assessed the credibility of specific sources, and ultimately shaped the narratives they reported. The documentary also examines the various influences that played a role in shaping their reporting, including the competitive nature of the profession, language barriers, shared personal backgrounds, camaraderie, and significant shifts in American official China policy.

One of the key aspects of China Reporting is its focus on the prescriptive and gatekeeping role of editors back home. The documentary sheds light on how these editors influenced the selection and presentation of news stories, often shaping public perception and policy decisions. This approach, which has often been applied to domestic journalists, provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of news production and dissemination.

China Reporting is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at resurrecting and making accessible high-quality scholarship from the University of California Press's extensive backlist. By leveraging print-on-demand technology, Voices Revived ensures that these important works are preserved and made accessible to a broader audience, fostering intellectual discourse and promoting knowledge dissemination.

Originally published in 1987, China Reporting stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of journalism and the critical role played by foreign correspondents in shaping our understanding of global events. Through its insightful exploration of the challenges and complexities faced by these reporters, the documentary offers valuable lessons for both journalists and scholars alike. It serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous research, objectivity, and ethical reporting in the pursuit of truth and understanding.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520302518