Media Watch: State Media Rallies behind CCTV over Dongguan Reporting

(Beijing) – The fallout from the recent police crackdown on prostitution in the southern city of Dongguan has been somewhat surprising. Rather than side with the authorities and state media, many Internet users say the sex workers are the victims and questioned whether CCTV used its influence inappropriately.

Many people – echoing the sympathy shown for victims of earthquakes – have voiced support for the people of Dongguan. Some derided CCTV for making a big deal about something that was an open secret, instead of grappling with bigger problems facing society.