The top editor of one of the most influential and combative newspapers in China has been demoted weeks after an interview with Barack Obama due to censors' anger, industry sources have said.Southern Weekend confirmed Xiang Xi had been named as "executive" editor-in-chief, claiming that it was only a change of title. Three employees told Reuters he had been demoted after pressure from the propaganda authorities. All staff requested anonymity.
It is understood the White House initiated the interview during Obama's visit last month. Usually, visiting leaders speak to official newspapers or the state broadcaster CCTV. "Xiang Xi was de facto top editor at Southern Weekend and in effect he has been shifted from number one to number two ... This could be a way to stave off more pressure from above," said Michael Anti, a Chinese blogger and media commentator based in Beijing.
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