Web 'opinion analyst' class may draw journalism grads, but some are wary
Work in new field may appeal to fresh journalism graduates, but some are wary of colluding in web censorship or propagandising for the party
A joint initiative by People's Daily and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security to provide accredited courses for "public opinion analysts" is likely to be welcomed by thousands of mainland journalism graduates struggling to find a job. But the move is raising unease in some quarters amid Beijing's heightened controls over the internet.
A unit of People's Daily Online specialising in public-opinion studies recently began recruiting students for the first class for accredited opinion analysts.
Students are charged 3,980 yuan (HK$5,030) for a five-day course plus 3,920 yuan for exams and accreditation.
Announcing the programme in September, the vice-president of People's Daily Online, Luo Hua , said that as the internet had gained such a prominent role in the interaction between the authorities and the public, its significance had drawn greater attention from government.
"So studying the public reaction to certain issues in the press has become a highly sophisticated and demanding job that only trained professionals are capable of doing," Luo said.
As part of its efforts to control the internet, the central government employs thousands of people to post comments online that are favourable to the Communist Party or reflect Beijing's position on global issues. They are known as the "50-centers", an anglicisation of the 0.50 yuan they are rumoured to receive for each positive posting or tweet.