From SperoNews:
“Hide the uncomfortable truth while promoting goodness stories in view of increased press freedom conceded to foreign reporters during the 2008 Olympic games”, wrote Shangdon’s provincial government to its officials. And in a document issued by the city government of Pingdu, all departments, organisations and officials were urged to “prepare for the challenge brought by the lifting of restrictions on foreign media.”
According to the document, it is necessary to “use all measures to downsize the impact of negative reporting to a minimum level. Moreover it will be necessary to report to the city publicity department before giving interviews”.
The Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games has assured the International Olympic Committee that it will “respect media freedom and foreign reporters will be able to cover the Games in the same way they covered the Athens and Sydney events”. [Full Text]
