Four newspaper staff reporters previously working for local branches of different Beijing-based newspapers have been arrested for extortion.

In a circular issued by the State Administration of Press and Publications (SAPP), the reporters, Wang Qiming, Meng Huaihu, Bu Jun and Chen Jinliang from the China Food Quality Newspaper and three other newspapers were blamed for damaging the reputation of the country's press and publication sector.

The circular calls on government departments concerned and all media to check pitfalls in the management of local reporters' stations.

According to the circular, they racketeered from institutions or companies, after they learned about their irregularities. Some of these media branches were set up without official approval.

The SAPP has also criticized some newspapers for flaws in their management. Some newspapers have adopted a "quota system", asking staff reporters of their local branches to make money by any means.

All four have had been detained and their reporter's ID canceled by the SAPP.

Source: Xinhua