No Press Cards for Criminals or Non-Journalists
On July 27, 2009, the General Administration of Press and Publication (“GAPP”) issued a circular aimed at improving the investigation process surrounding the issuance of Press Cards for journalists. The circular requires journalists to submit declaration materials, carry out self-investigations promptly, and strictly abide by the “Measures on Administration of Press Cards for Journalists”, the “2009 Circular concerning Renewal of Press Cards for Journalists”, the “Circular concerning Application for Press Cards by Journalists of Periodicals Institutions”, and the “Circular concerning Application for Press Cards by Journalists of Broadcasting, Film and Television Institutions”. According to the self-investigation provisions, anyone with a criminal record, staff outside of news departments and/or involved in media departments such as administration, logistics, advertising or engineering, as well as staff in other organizations that provide information to media organizations, and guest writers are banned from receiving press cards. The self-investigation period will end on August 31, 2009. From this point on, GAPP will issue new press cards on the basis of evidentiary documents, as well as a Letter of Commitment of Press Card Management with each journalist’s signature.
