Ep 5. High Tech, Low Life

In season 26, episode 5 of POV, the episode titled "High Tech, Low Life" explores the topic of Chinese citizen journalism and how technology has transformed it. Directed by Stephen Maing, the episode focuses on two Chinese bloggers, Zhou Shuguang (also known as Zola) and Zhang Shihe (also known as Tiger Temple), who use the internet and social media to report on Chinese social and political issues.

Zola and Tiger Temple represent a new generation of journalists in China who use technology to bypass traditional media censorship. The two bloggers live in different parts of China, but both use the internet to report on stories that are often ignored by mainstream media. Zola is based in Guangdong province and specializes in human rights reporting, while Tiger Temple is based in Beijing and reports on environmental and social issues.

The episode highlights the risks and challenges that citizen journalists face in China. Zola has been harassed and detained by local authorities several times, and Tiger Temple must often use pseudonyms and take precautions to avoid detection. They both risk their safety in order to share stories that are important to them and their communities.

The episode also shows how social media has changed the way Chinese people consume and share news. Zola and Tiger Temple use platforms like Weibo and Twitter to reach a wider audience and build communities of supporters. Viewers can see how the two bloggers interact with their followers online and how they use their platforms to amplify the voices of their sources and followers.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to various stories that Zola and Tiger Temple have reported on, such as a farmer who lost his land to developers and a man who was beaten by police. These stories are told through a combination of footage shot by the bloggers themselves and interviews with the people involved.

The episode also touches on the broader theme of how technology is transforming China. As more and more people gain access to the internet and social media, the government is struggling to maintain control over the flow of information. The episode highlights the tension between the Chinese government's desire to control the narrative and the desires of citizens to express themselves freely.

Overall, "High Tech, Low Life" offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Chinese citizen journalism and how it is changing in the digital age. Zola and Tiger Temple are inspiring figures who risk a great deal to report on issues that are important to them and their communities. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, journalism, and human rights.