June 28, 2021
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#375 That Time China Bought A Vancouver Newspaper
As reports of Chinese government influence in Canadian media gain traction, South China Morning Post reporter Ian Young reveals an incredible tale from the past.
Jesse Brown
Host & Publisher
Tristan Capacchione
Audio Editor & Technical Producer

Almost 20 years ago, the PRC’s media company actually bought a Canadian newspaper. But all is not as it seemed, and media mogul Li Bolun may have had other plans besides propaganda. Sadly, he died in a Beijing jail cell following scandalous drug and fraud charges and cannot explain his side of the story. What’s left is a messy court battle and enduring concerns about who controls Chinese language media in Canada.

Further Reading:

Who Was Li Bolun? by Ian Young https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3103793/who-was-li-bolun-disgraced-citic-media-moguls

Sponsors: Hover & Dispatch Coffee

Additional music provided by The Audio Network

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