Chinese gov't: objective reporting on disasters not affected by new law

A Chinese official on Monday reiterated that independent and objective reporting on disasters and accidents will not be affected by a provision in a draft law requiring news organizations to seek state approval prior to covering such events.

The draft law on emergency response has been submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's legislature, for review. The law includes a provision that would fine news organizations between 50,000 and 100,000 yuan if they report disasters and accidents without official authorization. The fines can also be imposed for fraudulent reporting of accidents or disasters.

The provision was discussed and criticized by Chinese journalist and news organizations recently.

Wang Yongqing, vice-director of the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council said the provision was not meant to deter independent reporting, but to prevent the media from spreading false information or fabricating events that may cause the public to panic.

He also said fines would only be levied if the reports caused "grave consequences to society."

Wang said governments at all levels are accountable for releasing accurate and timely information on natural disasters, accidents and public security and health crisis.

The draft law also targets leading officials who fail to promptly report disasters or accidents, or lie and hide the truth. They can be disciplined, demoted or removed from their posts.

Wang said journalists are encouraged to expose government and official wrongdoing. Some officials have been punished for hiding the truth about emergencies.

Since the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in China in 2003, the Chinese government has more openly reported emergencies to media outlets.

To date, all ministries and a large number of local governments have issued regular news releases or held news conferences.

Currently, China's media is allowed to provide timely reporting on emergencies, such as bird flu cases, coal mine accidents, explosions and air crashes.

Source: Xinhua