Chinese rock : the role of print media.

Abstract

This study focuses on the role of print media in the development of Chinese rock music. This problem is seen within the broad context of the media reform in China and the development of Chinese rock music between 1987 and 1996. Chinese rock is found to be a subculture deviating from the mainstream ideological discourse and the traditional cultural values in Chinese society. The state authorities adopted a cultural policy which could be characterized as unfavorable towards rock music, attempting to marginalize and de-legitimize the subculture. Using content analysis and in-depth interviews, this study discovers that instead of reflecting the authorities' attitude towards rock, the media in China, in fact, recognized and to a large extent accepted this deviant rock subculture during the period between 1987 and 1996. This study adds to the understanding of the redefining of the role of media in a transitional Chinese society.