The Washington Post reports:

In many ways, blackmail journalism grew naturally out of a system in which Communist Party censors control the news rigorously, barring reports that could be seen as unfavorable to the party or contrary to the government's political goals. If the ruling party distorts the news for political reasons, blackmailing reporters have concluded, why wouldn't they do it themselves for financial reasons?

To read more:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/24/AR2007012402061.html