New media major outlet for exposing corruption in China

New media has outperformed its traditional media peers in exposing corruption-related cases in China, according to a report on Tuesday. From 2010 to 2012, there were 156 confirmed cases of corruption that first came into light via new media channels, such as Internet news releases, online forums, microblogs and organizations' official websites, said the "Annual Report on Development of New Media in China." The report was released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The number is twice as many as that of newspapers, television and other traditional media, the report said. Most cases refer to officials' discipline and regulation violations, power abuses and ethical problems. Growing Internet penetration and the situation facing China to combat corruption are among the major reasons for online anti-graft actions, the report said. It also listed the increasing awareness and enthusiasm of citizens to participate in public affairs. Also, the fact that disciplinary inspection authorities and supervisory agencies are attaching attention to relevant information online as well as the positive feedback to online tip-offs are factors that encouraged such practices. However, the report also noted that problems may arise as online exposure may have credibility flaws and cause violations of citizens' privacy. Some online media organizations' prying of vulgar content in such cases have led to negativity about the Internet environment, the report said.