Latest News:  

English>>China Society

Netizens criticize media reports on tragic accident

(Xinhua)

10:13, February 05, 2013

BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese netizens have criticized a news report that was full of flattering descriptions of local officials' rescue efforts but turned a blind eye to the victims.

A truck loaded with fireworks exploded in central China's Henan province on Friday, causing an expressway viaduct to collapse.

Ten people died and 11 others were injured in the accident.

However, an online report on the accident carried by the Dahe Daily, one of the leading local newspapers in Henan, was criticized by Internet users for ignoring the victims.

A post on Sina Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, by user "Fan Wei" claimed that after a brief mention of the death toll in the accident, a total of 1,134 words in the 1,300-word report were dedicated to complimentary descriptions of local officials' efforts to direct rescue work.

The report named 16 leading officials involved but did not refer to any specific victims or their relatives.

The post was reposted over 20,000 times and drew more than 4,500 comments.

"It seems that the officials are the victims," joked Weibo user "Fanrongqiang."

"The officials were just doing what they should do, but whatever they do cannot save the victims' lives. Shame on this obsequious report," said another user "Liu_Su."

The report comes at a time when the top leaders of China's ruling party have vowed to reduce pomp and bureaucracy.

In a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee in December 2012, senior officials agreed to cut bureaucratic "empty words" in both official documents and news reports regarding the officials' work.

Reports on officials' activities should only be released when they are newsworthy, according to a statement at the meeting.

The leaders have also called on news media to pay more attention to the public's voice.

The officials' activities are not entirely insignificant, but media reports on such tragedies should be more objective and comprehensive, said an editorial in the Monday edition of the Beijing News.

The newspaper said flattering reports carried by official media reflect resilient "officialdom" that will make overhauling the officials' work style a difficult task.

On Monday, the Dahe Daily published a report on its website concerning the victims.

The report included the names of six of the 10 victims, as well as their ages and place of residence. It also included the names of the 11 injured and their current condition.

"Let's pray for the victims and wish the injured an early recovery," the report said.

We Recommend:

Amazing China in 1950s you’ve never seen

People on way home during festival travel rush

A visit to the village of lepers in Yunnan

Beijing fantasy emerges in dense fog

The art of food, the art of life

How much should we pay for family reunion?

China's weekly story (2013.01.21-01.27)

Time to stop appalling food waste

Uncover the myth of 'devil training'

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:黄瑾、Chen Lidan)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. Navy's ships in antisubmarine training

  2. Frigates conduct drill, patrol in S. China Sea

  3. Unforgettable moments you can’t miss in Feb.

  4. A long journey that will help all women

  5. Telecom ring scammers going to jail

  6. China's weekly story (2013.01.27-01.31)

  7. Funny animals! Adapt or die!

  8. Abu Dhabi's wedding show in full swing

  9. NFL plans to expand in China

  10. Shenzhen property market will see glut

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. Egypt's relative calm not expected to last for long
  2. East or west, whose home is best?
  3. Dialogue and action can improve Sino-US ties
  4. A long journey that will help all women
  5. An easier ride, but for some only
  6. U.S. further placates Europe while turning to Asia
  7. China's year of challenges
  8. Rice imports not a threat to food security
  9. Getting workers their wages on time
  10. Clean Your Plate Campaign

What’s happening in China

The journey is more important than the destination:Three people who opted for an adventure tell stories.

  1. Gay wedding makes a splash online
  2. Fake-mutton scandal slows meat sales in China
  3. Fake rolls had toxic additives
  4. 9-year-old girl on 31-city trek with father
  5. Medical care comes to religious groups