China Central Television is under fire for alleged graft and corruption. (Photo : Reuters)
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China is set to conduct an inspection among media professionals of alleged corruption and bribery appropriately labeled in the media industry as "hidden conditions." Inspection officers will be dispatched to the State Asministration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television to investigate.
Director of the central inspection Li Qiufang said on Thursday that "the 'hidden conditions' usually refer to bribes offered to directors or officials in exchange for unlawful or unreported exposure, circulation or advertising."
Li added that "the inspection will focus on the sales of films and television programs, equipment acquisitions and satellite coverage."
To prevent further graft practices, the director said that CCDI will enhance supervision of media advertising, news reporting and overseas correspondence stations. To put an end to graft, Li said that the CCDI will develop a deeper understanding of the graft practices.
CCDI records from last year stated that the committee investigated over graft cases where the media is involved. Among these cases, 49 involved directors placed under investigation on corruption charges. Of the 49, 20 media people directors and program hosts from China Central Television were arrested by CCDI officers for alleged graft practices.
Among those taken were prominent media people from CCTV, including former director at CCTV's financial channel Guo Zhenxi, deputy director at CCTV's program purchasing center Huang Haitao, and the former well-known host of a CCTV finance program Rui Chenggang.
Li said that the investigation is the beginning of a campaign to raise awareness in the media and boost healthy development of the industry.
Law professor Hong Daode said that, for the campaign to succeed, participation of the people within the organizations is a key factor.
