權力與信息悖論: 研究中國媒體的國家視角

“Information empowerment” has been a key part of investigating media transition in authoritarian regimes. Although the market and communication technology open the door to an abundant and diverse range of information, these two factors are not adequate to explain the “information paradox” that has occurred during the Chinese media transition. Marketization and technology allow for relatively more journalistic autonomy, but they have also brought new forms of journalistic conservatism. Meanwhile, the authoritarian state has tightened its control over mass media when its power is challenged by the increasing availability of information. Therefore, this article takes a state perspective to explain how China is handling the challenges of the information age. Modifying the “information conflicts” model proposed by Lin (2012), I investigate the multiple dimensions of power and update the typology of state–media dynamics. I argue that marketization results in a greater diversity of information, but it also differentiating different types of information, which facilitates the power transition in state–media relations. As a result, media controls in China have shifted from a single- to a multi-dimensional structure that offers temporary institutional resilience against the challenges of the information era.