Perceptions of the media's role and job satisfaction: a survey of journalists in Xinjiang

Abstract

Based on a comprehensive survey, this study presents a portrait of working journalists in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. A typical Xinjiang journalist in this survey is a well-educated, local minority, married woman in her mid-thirties with limited experience living inland or overseas. Compared with their counterparts in the coastal regions, they are more loyal to their media organizations, have lower incomes, and are less satisfied with their jobs. Xinjiang journalists surveyed have strong political awareness, high degrees of self-censorship and divided views on journalistic professionalism. Their professional aspirations influence their job satisfaction through various mechanisms, echoing ethnic variations. Among surveyed journalists, those who agree with the watchdog function of the media have higher levels of extrinsic satisfaction; journalists who emphasize the propaganda function of the media enjoy higher intrinsic satisfaction; while journalists who subscribe to the information function of the media are more satisfied with their relationships with co-workers. In addition, journalists who are supportive of local media are more satisfied with their jobs, in all respects. These empirical findings offer a window into further discussion of the social and political dynamics of the region.