This study examined the status of media access to court proceedings and documents in mainland China. In-depth and qualitative interviews with Chinese journalists revealed that they continue to face significant difficulties in attending court hearings and accessing court documents and information; especially, those involving government officials. Owing to the lack of adequate media access to courts, Chinese journalists are not able to fulfil their role of informing the public about what happens in the judicial system; it also undermines the balance and quality of court reporting. The study also found that China's courts mostly used their own online platforms to release information and broadcast trial proceedings. Consequently, the role of news media and journalists in providing court case information and promoting judicial openness has declined in the age of new media.
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