China’s news agency, Xinhua

Yesterday’s Fulbright Hays seminars took place at the Communications University of China. We listened to Prof Zhang Kai speak about the changed and unchanged domestic news reporting of Xinhua News Agency. Unlike AP and Reuters, Xinhua is owned by the state. Its’ primary responsibilities are to gather and report on national and international news. Prof. Zhang said there is a Chinese proverb that says bad news will be told to me by my family, and only good and beautiful things should be shared. So in the decades before the 1980’s, news focused on the positive elements of society. China is trying to follow the model of western media, with more reporting on national and international events that keep people informed. CUC also has a media museum exhibiting early radio, tv and film equipment. Each day includes a wonderful lunch and dinner. We have eaten many new dishes and continually see different dishes at each meal! We are trying to learn to pace ourselves, as new dishes keep appearing. Our scholar guide, Mr. Zhai Guanjun is very funny and attentive; very thoughtful and considerate.Our Beijing guide, Mr. Zhou is also very wonderful.   Our Chinese hosts have received us in board rooms and banquet rooms. We are feeling very honored and pampered.