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Editorials

Reason for fake reporters

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-26 07:51

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Editor's note: Press law is imperative now, not only for protecting reporters' rights, but also to restrict press power.

Posing as reporters, the popular "profession" of jobless youths in Xinzhou, Shanxi province, is both funny and annoying.

Seen in a positive light, it is testimony that some of our colleagues do bite. How else do you explain how fake press cards are the preferred instrument for posers?

We are full of pride of and respect for those in the business who brave intimidations and temptations to expose wrongdoings. On the other hand, it reveals the embarrassing but popular understanding that some reporters do ask for bribes from violators anxious to hide their abuse. And we know that is not a matter of perception.

But this is not a simple problem of identity forgery.

Posing as reporters has become a nearly costless yet profitable means of living in Xinzhou because there are concentrations of coalmines. The fact that they can make a living by blackmail shows the number of mine operators who have something to hide is not small. There otherwise would not be any "reporter villages" nearby.

The business has been so prosperous that former funeral wreath sellers and cattle dealers have reportedly switched over and become "reporters". More outrageous, some previous victims of blackmail have also resorted to press cards for self-defense.

The press and publication authorities in Shanxi have dispatched investigators. But they should not be the only "competent authorities" who care about this. We are sure some of the clues that will surface in their probe can help trace other wrongdoings.

(China Daily 03/26/2010 page8)