21st Century media embroiled in blackmail scandal   

21世紀(jì)網(wǎng)主編等人被立案偵查 被指涉新聞敲詐案

上海市公安局于日前偵破一起以輿論監(jiān)督為幌子、通過有償新聞非法獲取巨額利益的特大新聞敲詐案件，涉案的21世紀(jì)網(wǎng)主編和相關(guān)管理、采編、經(jīng)營人員及兩家公關(guān)公司負(fù)責(zé)人等8名犯罪嫌疑人被依法采取刑事強(qiáng)制措施。[查看全文]

(ECNS) – One of China's leading financial media outlets, 21st Century Media, has been caught blackmailing companies for money.

Shanghai police arrested eight media and public relations persons on Wednesday, including 21st Century's chief editor, surnamed Liu, deputy chief editor surnamed Zhou, reporters and operational staff. Directors at two financial PR firms, Shanghai Runyan and Shenzhen Xinqilin, were also arrested.  

The editors had colluded with the PR firms since November 2013 to blackmail listed companies and well-known enterprises. Those that succumbed to the scheme paid hefty advertising or sponsor fees in exchange for positive stories on 21st Century's website, while those that refused to comply were given negative coverage.

The scandal involves dozens of companies in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangdong province.

The police said they are investigating the case.