Journalists’ Day

Journalist Day is a public holiday that’s observed in China every year on the 8th of November. It’s a holiday that’s designed to honor journalists and it’s celebrated this holiday in memory of a reporter that was executed in 1933 for pro-communist views, Liu Yusheng. This is a holiday that’s widely celebrated across China but is seldom celebrated by Chinese citizens in the diaspora.

That’s because this is a holiday that’s somewhat controversial considering that the Chinese government has been known for silencing dissenting voices, so it’s maybe ironic to some people that they even have a holiday that celebrates journalists and journalism.

The History Of Journalist Day In China

This holiday was created in 1999 in memory of Liu Yusheng, a reporter for Jiang Sheng Daily who was executed on this day in 1933 for his pro-communist views. The holiday is used to honor and promote the journalists who support the party with their work and write pro-State pieces in China and abroad. It is not a holiday, however, that promotes dissenting voices in journalism. Only pro-China journalists are considered.

Observing Journalist Day In China

This holiday is observed with state-sponsored events that award and promote journalists who tow a pro-China and pro-communist line in China. It’s also observed with special television events, parties, and other such events. For the most part, it’s a holiday that’s only celebrated in China and isn’t usually celebrated by Chinese living outside of the country.