CCTV, a news organization many believe serves as little more than a mouthpiece of the Chinese government, recently issued a story titled Olympic press freedom hailed by foreign media. As part of the piece the reporter gathered several quotes. From foreign journalists covering the Olympics, right? Well, not exactly.
First, check out this lede:
It’s been a year since the government issued regulations giving foreign journalists more freedom to cover stories in the country.
China will provide better assistance, a better environment, and better access for foreign reporters to work in the country. Senior officials reiterated this commitment at an annual reception for journalists from around the world.
Hmm. Ok. How about a quote?
Sure. Here’s the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman:
“Throughout the year, we’ve found the journalists have enjoyed better access to information. We expect more journalists to come to China provide better assistance for them.”
Oh. Ok. Anyone else around? Maybe a foreign journalist?
The new media regulation took effect on January 1 last year. It gives foreign media freedom to report throughout China until the end of the Olympics. They are also allowed to interview anyone without first getting government permission, and to go pretty much anywhere in China.
Some reporters say such a measure is unprecedented.
And some others say the regulation helps an open-up China to be aware of its image during the Olympics, as well as to erase misunderstanding and stereotyped opinions.
What? Wait, who said that? This story is almost over. Don’t you have a quote from a foreign journalist?
Yes. Olga Tanasiychuk from the National News Agency of Ukraine is here.
“This regulation is needy and timely, we felt it much easy to work, more access to officials to report.”
Well, ok, I guess that’s something.
“I hope this will not be an end.”
Why insinuate it might end? Sounds like the government is really excited about this press freedom thing. I wonder why Olga would feel the need to speculate it might end.
As the host country of the Olympic Games, China is set to welcome the world. And China says it also welcomes all opinions from the international media. The country’s efforts to improve the flow of information is a sign of its increasing confidence as it emerges on the world stage.
Sounds good. Who can I interview about which food vendors will or won’t be allowed to set up shop during the Olympics?
(CCTV Story via Danwei)
2 responses so far ↓
1 James Turnbull // Jan 28, 2008 at 11:45 am
Your post reminded me of Brian’s recent trip around Beijing. Avoiding most tourists’ carefully selected and presented itinery because he (in hindsight, unwisely) decided to try and get everywhere by himself, he did get to see how China is only making superficial changes at best to the city in preparation for the Olympics.
Just thought you might be interested. Have either of you been to China?
http://briandeutsch.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-visit-to-zhang-ziyis-hometown.html
2 Shinsano // Jan 28, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I took a trip to China in 2001. I liked it (or I should say, was intrigued) so much I started considering moving there, though ended up in Korea, which I had assumed would be very similar.
Wrong. But that’s another story for another day.
Thanks for pointing out that Brain from Jeolla is back. It’s a good post. Or should I say, rant?
I liked this observation:
“You really can’t describe an Asian city these days without sing “vibrant,” “lively,” “hopeful,” and “mixture of tradition and technology.” You could pretty much take any overview of Beijing and substitute in Seoul, Bangkok, Tokyo, Singapore, and Taipei without missing a beat.”
Reminds me of that twerp Richard-something or other on CNN world. I stopped watching CNN because of that guy.
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