The political blogosphere in China: A content analysis of the blogs regarding the dismissal of Shanghai leader Chen Liangyu

In: New media & society: an international and interdisciplinary forum for the examination of the social dynamics of media and information change, Band 11, Heft 6, S. 1003-1022

Abstract

Despite the rapid growth of blogging in China, little is known about the communicative processes of blogs and their implications for China. This current study aims to bridge that gap by specifically looking at the political blogs posted on the NetEase, one of the largest portal websites in China, regarding the dismissal of Shanghai leader Chen Liangyu. Results from a content analysis indicate that bloggers, giving quick responses to the event, were actively engaged in discussions on politically sensitive topics, and expressed different opinions of the event and even criticism of the government.