Wandering Between People's Welfare and Democracy: A Review of Political Reform Discourse in the Da Gong Bao (1927-1937)

Author: Ren Tong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Founded in 1902, the Ta Kung Pao is still published in Hong Kong today. It is described as "the longest-lived, most influential, and most reputable newspaper in the history of Chinese journalism" (by Fang Hanqi), and "capable of encompassing the 20th century in China," being called "an encyclopedic modern Chinese history" (by Ji Xianlin). The New Ta Kung Pao further established its unique character with the famous "Four Principles" of its editorial policy—not partisan, not for sale, not selfish, not blind. This book examines the Ta Kung Pao's ideological direction and development during the period of 1927–1937, i.e., from the success of the Northern Expedition to the full outbreak of the War of Resistance. It uses this as a starting point to explore the pulse of political reform ideas, the heated social situation, and the subtle changes in public opinion during this time. For readers interested in mass communication or social history during the Republican era, this book is a valuable and recommended work.