OPINION> Commentary
Ban Song, but not officially
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-04 07:50

An official from the country's top organ for regulating entertainment industry has joined the public cry to keep Song Zude away from media exposure. Song, a controversial figure, is widely known for his random accusations against celebrities. However, such an official move is inappropriate as it is actually beyond the authority of the supervision organ, says an article in China Youth Daily. The following is an excerpt:

Recently, an official from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television openly criticized Song Zude, one of the most controversial people in China, well-known for his accusations and allegations against celebrities. This was the first time anyone on behalf of the government did so. According to this official, they were trying to keep Song, a black sheep, off the entertainment and media circles.

It seems that Song has got into trouble. But this official has overstepped his authority.

The public has never had a good opinion of Song, and we were extremely unhappy when Song recently made hypes out of the death of Xie Jin, a renowned film director.

When the media face people like Song, they'd better choose somebody else suitable for publication. In fact, if all the media shut out Song, he would not have had enough enthusiasm to talk at will day by day.

But the problem is that a good many media outlets have a fancy for people like Song and it's the media that finally makes Song earn both fame and profits and spur him to continue his talks.

However, the move to remove Song from the media world can only be initiated by media professionals themselves. If such a move is taken by government officials, the nature of the ban would be much different.

In this case, the freedom of speech of a citizen is violated by public rights.

Although Song makes people feel disgusted, he has the freedom of speech.

If some media professionals are avoiding Song, it's okay for it's just the conflicts between two private rights.

(China Daily 11/04/2008 page8)