China leads news media: Internet penetration reaches over 1.1 billion users

China’s Media Industry: A Data-Driven, AI-Powered Transformation

China’s media landscape has rapidly evolved into a data-driven, intelligent, platform-based, and socially integrated industry. According to the 54th China Statistical Report on Internet Development, the country’s omni-media communications system has made remarkable strides, supported by nearly 1.1 billion internet users as of June 2024, representing a penetration rate of 78.0%.

Digital Expansion and AI Integration

A report by the All-China Journalists Association (ACJA) highlights the digital transformation of China’s news media, which now includes 3,606 internet news information service units offering 14,228 licensed services such as websites, apps, and public accounts. Despite this digital shift, traditional media remains robust, with 26.01 billion newspaper copies printed in 2023 and a total subscription value of 35.57 billion Yuan.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key driver of change in journalism and communication. The integration of generative AI tools has transformed news production, enabling real-time reporting, automated content creation, personalized audience engagement, and predictive analytics. These advancements have enhanced efficiency, precision, and creativity in storytelling, positioning China as a leader in leveraging AI for modern journalism.

The Rise of Generative AI (AIGC)

The AIGC Panorama Report on Application in China forecasts a surge in the generative AI market, projected to reach 20 billion Yuan in 2024 and exceed one trillion Yuan by 2030. Media organizations are increasingly adopting AI-powered tools across film, television, and music, fostering innovation and collaboration.

Employment and Industry Growth

China’s media sector has also seen employment growth, with the newspaper publishing industry employing 184,000 professionals in 2023—a third consecutive year of increase. Over 1 million individuals contributed to the development of radio, television, and online audiovisual services. By October 2024, China had 230,585 accredited journalists, many of whom actively engage in grassroots reporting, ethical journalism, and public oversight.

In 2023, the media industry achieved a total output value of 3.15 trillion Yuan, an 8.38% year-on-year increase. Newspapers generated 61.66 billion Yuan in revenue through advertising, circulation, and new media operations. The radio, television, and online audiovisual sectors recorded over 1,412.608 billion Yuan in revenues, reflecting a 13.74% annual growth.

Supporting Journalists and Ethical Practices

The ACJA has been instrumental in advocating for journalists’ welfare and professional growth. Over the past decade, it has disbursed 25.15 million Yuan to support journalists facing injury, illness, or death during their work. The association has also emphasized ethical journalism and social responsibility, publishing over 580 media social responsibility reports in 2024 alone.

China’s forward-thinking approach to integrating AI, fostering innovation, and supporting media professionals has solidified its position as a global pioneer in journalism and communication. However, as the industry evolves, it must address challenges related to accuracy, ethics, and inclusivity to ensure sustainable growth.