It might not be exactly like you think it is. Yes, there is censorship. Yes, it's constant and pervasive. But there's also something deeper - there are cultural forces driving why news media in China is the way it is. Here's what I've learned.

Unlike the States, Chinese news media's main purpose is not to woo advertisers and turn a profit for shareholders the media companies. Instead, news media is the nation's official information channel. That might sound bad, but I've learned there's nothing necessarily intrinsically evil about it. It's just how the government tells the citizens what's going on in one voice.

Relatedly, media here is not about investigative journalism. It's not about going uncover and using hidden cameras. In fact, crimes and conflicts are rarely reported unless it's about to be resolved by the authorities. The sense that everything (especially the bad things) are under control and in rhythm to a "harmonious society" is very, very important here.

Things are watched. People are genuinely conscious that they are being monitored and public criticism is carefully said, at best. Even as I write this, I feel observed. On the one hand, people here (especially the young) resent it. On the other hand, the same people also know the possible instablity that would arise if censorship was suddenly lifted.

And that's really the crux of the tension, few here admire the state of Chinese news media today-- but most still understand its necessity. At least, for the time being. When the earthquake happened earlier this year, the government shut down all TV channels in observance. Think about that-- no TV for one night for the entire country. Most Chinese still respect that big-brother ability to shape stability in a time of extreme crisis. But what it's really creating is a society with the appearance of a very stable and unified exterior, but with a very anxious, inwardly-suspicious and volatile core. Because here, you never feel like you know the truth. You never believe what you're being told. Even when it's really happening.

Ed Tsue is a Chinese American New Yorker (though not necessarily in that order) working for a British advertising company in China developing brand strategies.