21st Century media embroiled in blackmail scandal   

21世纪网主编等人被立案侦查 被指涉新闻敲诈案

上海市公安局于日前侦破一起以舆论监督为幌子、通过有偿新闻非法获取巨额利益的特大新闻敲诈案件，涉案的21世纪网主编和相关管理、采编、经营人员及两家公关公司负责人等8名犯罪嫌疑人被依法采取刑事强制措施。[查看全文]

(ECNS) – One of China's leading financial media outlets, 21st Century Media, has been caught blackmailing companies for money.

Shanghai police arrested eight media and public relations persons on Wednesday, including 21st Century's chief editor, surnamed Liu, deputy chief editor surnamed Zhou, reporters and operational staff. Directors at two financial PR firms, Shanghai Runyan and Shenzhen Xinqilin, were also arrested.  

The editors had colluded with the PR firms since November 2013 to blackmail listed companies and well-known enterprises. Those that succumbed to the scheme paid hefty advertising or sponsor fees in exchange for positive stories on 21st Century's website, while those that refused to comply were given negative coverage.

The scandal involves dozens of companies in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangdong province.

The police said they are investigating the case.