A proposed new law threatens possible fines for news outlets which report on disasters without authorization.

But the spokesman for the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) yesterday allayed fears that the media would be punished for reporting emergencies.

An article of the law on emergency management, which was submitted to the NPC Standing Committee for review on Saturday, restricts the media in reporting emergencies.

The draft law defines emergencies as industrial accidents, natural disasters, and health and public security crises.

The article says "news media that irregularly reports the development and handling of emergencies without authorization, or releases fraudulent reports will be fined between 50,000 yuan (US$6,250) and 100,000 yuan (US$12,500), if the reports lead to serious consequences."

The law is drafted to improve the information-release system for emergencies and increase transparency, said spokesman Kan Ke at a press conference yesterday.

He said the stipulation is consistent with current practice and promises to provide "service and convenience" for reporters, allowing the media to report practical conditions in a timely and accurate fashion.

Kan also implied the article could be revised after the legislature solicits opinions from its members.

China's Legislation Law stipulates that a law will usually go through three rounds of reviews before being passed.

After the current session, the draft law will be further revised according to opinions from various bodies, and then sent to the committee for further reviews, said Kan.

Source: China Daily