Debate Begins in the Lan Chengzhang Case: What Does It Mean to Be A « Real » Journalist in China?

January 17 – CMP reported yesterday that a face-off was shaping up in the case of the beating death of China Trade News reporter Lan Chengzhang (兰成长) – between local party officials in Datong, Shanxi Province (where the reporter was killed), who insist Lan was a « fake » reporter out to extort money from local coalmines, and representatives from China Trade News, who confirm they hired Lan on a provisional basis. More news and commentary appeared on the story today, which was first reported in yesterday’s Southern Metropolis Daily and appeared also on major Web portals.