China’s media industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. By mid-2024, the country had nearly 1.1 billion internet users, with a penetration rate of 78%, according to the 54th China Statistical Report on Internet Development.
A report by the All China Journalists Association (ACJA) highlighted that 3,606 internet news service units provided 14,228 licensed services, including websites, apps, and public accounts. In 2023, print media recorded 26.01 billion newspaper copies printed, generating a subscription value of 35.57 billion Yuan and employing 184,000 people, marking its third consecutive year of growth.
The broader media sector employed over 1 million people in radio, television, and online audiovisual services. AI integration is reshaping news production, enabling real-time reporting, automated content creation, and enhanced audience engagement. Generative AI is particularly pivotal, with the market for AI applications projected to grow from 20 billion Yuan in 2024 to over 1 trillion Yuan by 2030.
Media outlets are increasingly adopting AI tools across film, television, and music, leading to enhanced collaboration and efficiency. The sector’s output value reached 3.15 trillion Yuan in 2023, an 8.38% year-on-year growth. Newspaper revenue alone totaled 61.66 billion Yuan, bolstered by advertising, circulation, and digital initiatives.
Revenue from radio, television, and online audiovisual sectors exceeded 1.41 trillion Yuan in 2023, a 13.74% increase compared to the previous year. By October 2024, China had 230,585 accredited journalists, many focusing on grassroots reporting, ethical practices, and public accountability.
Over the past decade, the ACJA supported journalists by distributing 25.15 million Yuan for those injured or ill while working. In 2024, it published 580 media social responsibility reports, emphasizing ethical journalism.
China’s media industry is leveraging technologies like AI and big data to innovate in content creation, distribution, and audience engagement. With a focus on workforce development and ethical standards, it is paving the way for its future in a rapidly evolving global media landscape.
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