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: Hardback
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 presented. 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. It sheds light on how these editors influenced the selection and presentation of news stories, often shaping public perceptions 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' Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Press' commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds and giving them a platform to express their ideas and impact society. By leveraging a backlist dating back to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible again through print-on-demand technology. This title, originally published in 1987, is a testament to the enduring value of historical analysis and the importance of preserving and disseminating knowledge.

In conclusion, China Reporting is a groundbreaking documentary that offers a unique perspective on the role of foreign correspondents in shaping the news during a critical period in history. Through its exploration of the processes of information gathering, source assessment, and editorial decision-making, the film sheds light on the complex dynamics that underpin news production and dissemination. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, journalists, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of international reporting and the role of editors in shaping public discourse.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520357310