Beijing: Lin Qingzhen, Associate Professor at the Beijing Sports University, has noted the need for countries to enact policies and regulations to sanitise the new media space. He stated that in the era of fake news, slander, and rumours, if the new media space is not properly guided, it could become a tool to disrupt the social and political course of society.
According to Ghana News Agency, Associate Professor Qingzhen emphasized the critical role of regulations in safeguarding the media space from abuse, highlighting that in China, individuals could be held in custody for offenses committed on the Internet. Speaking to a group of 30 African and Caribbean journalists on Content Creation and Marketing in the new media environment, he pointed out the blurred lines between new media and traditional media, emphasizing the need for massive restructuring to remain competitive.
The Professor stressed that to maintain audience engagement, market presence, and values, traditional media must explore new growth points and implement necessary reforms to survive and thrive in the current digital age. In 2018, China initiated reforms to position media establishments like China Radio, China International Radio, and China Central Television (CCTV) to adapt to the new media landscape. This convergence aimed to produce content that resonates with the younger generation inclined towards new media, supported by appropriate policies and regulatory controls.
The Chinese government further introduced new media regulations to reinforce centralized control and promote content aligned with national interests. Key policies included real-name registration requirements for all online users and content creators, stricter licensing for news platforms, and expanded powers for regulatory bodies to monitor and remove harmful or destabilizing content.
Professor Qingzhen encouraged traditional media in Africa to embrace the digital content production era and undertake necessary organizational restructuring to meet current new media demands, thereby achieving a competitive advantage.