Deeply rooted in Guangdong Province lies a media powerhouse. It’s the Nanfang Daily Newspaper Group Co. This later became Guangdong Nanfang Daily Newspaper Group. It then took on its current name Southern Newspaper Media Group.
Southern Newspaper Media Group stands tall today. It is a testament to China’s evolving media landscape. It began in 2005. The Group emerged from the foundation of the former Nanfang Daily Newspaper Group. This transformation marked a significant step. It embraced the changing face of media.
Southern Newspaper Media Group is more than just a media entity. It is the first provincial Party committee newspaper group in mainland China. Today it is a public institution. The Guangdong Provincial Party Committee Propaganda Department oversees it. It ranks among the top ten newspaper publishing groups nationwide. It holds third place in Guangdong.
The Southern Newspaper Media Group boasts an impressive array of publications. The flagship is the Nanfang Daily. This is the official organ of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee. Other notable newspapers include Nanfang Weekend and Nanfang Metropolis Daily. The Group also publishes six magazines. These include “Southern”. It also has six mobile clients like “Southern+”. There is also a publishing house Nanfang Daily Press. Its industrial projects include 289 Art Park. There is also the Guangzhou Southern Smart Media Industrial Park. The headquarters is in Yuexiu District Guangzhou. It is known as “289 Art Park”.
The story of Southern Newspaper Media Group goes back further. Its predecessor the Nanfang Daily Newspaper Group founded in 1998 dared to challenge negative publicity. It was regarded as one of China’s most influential newspaper groups. Its Nanfang Metropolis Daily was recognized. It was rated highly among the country’s evening newspapers. It enjoys popularity among Guangzhou residents.
Southern Newspaper Media Group has a reputation for bold reporting. Multiple reports from Nanfang Metropolis Daily and Nanfang Weekend faced retraction. Yet this did not stop them. In 2009 U.S. President Barack Obama granted an exclusive interview to Nanfang Weekend. In 2003 21st Century Business Herald faced an unexplained suspension.
In 2012 Yang Jian took over as Party Secretary of Southern Newspaper Media Group. Yang Xingfeng remained as Nanfang Daily’s Director. This marked the first time an “outsider” assumed the Group’s highest Party position.
Southern Newspaper Media Group has undergone significant restructuring. The New Beijing News was co-sponsored. In 2014 Southern Newspaper Media Group transferred its 49% stake. In 2007 the Group jointly reorganized Yunnan Information Daily. In 2012 it signed a cooperation agreement with Hefei Newspaper Group. In 2016 the 289 Art Park opened.
The Southern Newspaper Media Group publishes several newspapers. These include Nanfang Daily founded in 1949. Nanfang Metropolis Daily covers the Pearl River Delta. Nanfang Weekend is China’s first weekly newspaper. Several newspapers have been discontinued.
Several magazines are published. These include Southern and City Pictorial. Websites and apps include Southern Net and Southern Plus. These form a comprehensive media ecosystem.
The “Southern System” is a term. Some Chinese netizens use it. It refers to Nanfang Weekend and Nanfang Metropolis Daily. Some consider it to include media outlets in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
In 2013 Southern Newspaper delivery staff went on strike. They demanded higher wages. The group has won awards. It was named one of “China’s Most Respected Companies” multiple times.
From Chairman Mao to Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin. National leaders recognized the paper. They have underscored its importance in shaping public opinion. Today the Southern Newspaper Media Group is a renowned media group. It continues to evolve and adapt. It embraces new media technologies. It is committed to its mission. The mission is to inform and engage the public. It contributes significantly to China’s media landscape.