CHANGSHA: China’s media landscape, entirely governed by state authorities, was the focal topic presented to Burkinabe journalists during a training seminar in Changsha, Hunan province. Experts emphasized the complete absence of private press and political influencers, highlighting the comprehensive control exerted by the government and the ruling party over all media channels.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the seminar outlined that the more than 2,200 media outlets in China are exclusively operated by public authorities ranging from the central to the municipal level. Nie Xiong, a senior journalist with the Hunan Broadcasting System, confirmed this extensive network of state-run media. Sheng Boji, a special researcher at the Hunan provincial government adviser’s office, further clarified that there is no private ownership within the public media sector in China.

Chinese media are organized into four levels: central, provincial, communal, and district, mirroring the national, regional, provincial,
and communal levels found in Burkina Faso. Sheng Boji, who previously served as deputy editor-in-chief of the Hunan Broadcasting System, noted that local news and entertainment channels are favored by Chinese audiences. Data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics show that radio and television programs reach 99.59 percent of the population, with CCTV and approximately 30 other provincial and professional TV stations covering extensive audiences throughout the country.

In the digital realm, Sheng explained that China lacks web activists or political influencers found in other nations, such as Burkina Faso. Instead, positive influencers, especially those promoting products, are prevalent and operate under strict regulations. An internet content control office oversees major influencers, ensuring compliance with governmental standards. Additionally, all online content undergoes rigorous scrutiny from automated systems, regulatory bodies, expert recommendations, and community reports to filter out misinforma
tion and undesirable content.

Publication of online films or micro-films requires a broadcasting license from provincial authorities. Internet-generated income is also taxable, as illustrated by Zhou Huanfang, a former journalist and associate professor at Changsha University. Zhou recounted an incident involving an influencer fined for attempting to evade taxes on her 40 million yuan earnings.

The seminar, attended by a delegation of Burkinabe media officials led by Bakary Koné, the mission officer of Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, focused on current media practices and cultural promotion. This event was organized by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Hunan International Trade Professional Institute, reflecting ongoing cooperation between Burkina Faso and China.