The New York Times reports a crackdown on “false news” in the wake of the arrest of a journalist who allegedly fabricated a story about dumplings made with cardboard filling. According to the report, media organizations are urged to set up hotlines so the public can report false stories:
According to The People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s official newspaper, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, and the State Press and Publication Administration together warned that, “Those who intentionally fabricated news that caused public anxiety and tarnished the nation’s image would be harshly dealt with or even prosecuted if they broke the law.”
“Their news organizations would also be penalized,” the newspaper added. [Full text]
See also “More Than Revenge Of The Baozi?” from CDT’s Biganzi.