Media News - Thursday, March 05, 2009

China: new press card could be way to sideline outspoken journalists

Reporters Without Borders fears that plans to introduce a new press card in China will endanger free expression and press freedom. 'We urge the Chinese authorities not to introduce this new press card, which will prevent journalists critical of the government from working freely,' the organisation said. China Youth Daily reported on 11 February that the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) had put out a statement the previous day about the issuing of press cards for 2009. The GAPP said press cards would henceforth be issued by the government itself and would not be given to 'false journalists.' It warned that journalists who violate media regulations could have their press cards confiscated or could be refused renewal. The GAPP plans to create a database of 'bad journalists' and those who 'break the law.' They will be ranked in three levels, ranging from those in level 3 who are reprimanded for breaking the law, to those in level 1 who are banned for life for serious misconduct. (Reporters Without Borders)

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