The General Administration of Press and Publications (GAPP) said
Tuesday it would expressly forbid journalists and newspapers from
accepting or extorting money in return for favorable news
coverage.
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"Local newspaper branches and their staff reporters are not allowed
to engage in extortion by threatening to expose inside stories,"
said a circular issued by GAPP.
The circular also bans paid news, forced subscriptions, and
forced advertising in return for complimentary reports.
This announcement comes after a series of cases in which local
newspaper reporters extorted money in exchange for not reporting
bad news or accidents.
Wang Wei, a media professor with the Communication University of
China, said it is high time to purify the journalistic profession
in China as paid news is prevalent in some parts of the
country.
"Journalism is a divine profession, which must not be tarnished
by cynicism and greed," Wang told Xinhua, adding that stricter
qualifications should be imposed to ensure journalists are
qualified both professionally and ethically.
GAPP also said government officials cannot be hired as part-time
reporters and that all reporters must carry a "journalist
certificate" that is issued by GAPP.
The circular said GAPP would revoke reporters' certificates if
they violate any of the rules.
In January, Lan Chengzhang, an employee of the Shanxi office of the Beijing-based China
Trade News, was beaten to death during his investigation of an
unlicensed coal mine in the northern province, by eight thugs hired
by the coal mine owner.
Lan and his colleague, who were apparently not fully-fledged
journalists, were allegedly trying to extort money from the owner
of the illegal coal mine.
Last May, four newspaper staff reporters previously working for
local branches of the Beijing-based China Food Quality
Newspaper and three other newspapers were arrested for
extortion.
The four reporters racketeered institutions or companies after
learning about irregularities there. In addition, some media
branches were set up without official approval.
(Xinhua News Agency April 4, 2007)