China launches crackdown on illegal media organizations, fake reporters

BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have launched a special campaign to crack down on illegal media organizations and fake reporters as a part of the country's efforts to enhance the reputation of its news media, according to a statement issued by the government on Monday.

The crackdown is jointly carried out by the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) and the National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publication (NOAPIP), and will last through the end of December, the statement said.

The campaign primarily focuses on illegally-published newspapers and those with serial numbers of foreign publication registered overseas, according to the statement.

The drive also targets media organizations operating without government approval, especially those established under the names of foreign media, as well as consulting firms disseminating illegal publications, the statement said.

Under Chinese publishing regulations, foreign publications must be licensed by the government. Foreign publishers, news agencies or editing offices that engage in unlicensed publishing, printing and distribution are considered illegal.

Targets also include falsified or inaccurate reports against the principle of objectivity in journalism, and without the base of facts. Fake journalists, including news media employees reporting without press cards, are also among the targets of the campaign, the statement said.