Three Beijing-based newspapers have had their publication licenses revoked and their operations suspended due to regulatory violations, China's press watchdog said Tuesday.
This is the most severe punishment given by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television in recent years for violations of laws and regulations.
Shopping Guidance Weekly lost its license and was ordered to stop all publication in May, after the illegal establishment of a news bureau in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, by one of its employees, Li Deyong.
Li blackmailed grass-roots units in Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, claiming that they had violated laws. Part of the money he obtained was transferred to a media company run by the paper's vice president. The newspaper also applied for press cards for 11 employees, including Li, using fake labor contracts.
The illegal press cards were revoked and the cards of legitimate employees have also been canceled. Judiciary organs are handling the case.
The Herald Network was ordered to stop all publications in January this year after it was accused of outsourcing its pages to advertising companies, and allowing the advertising personnel with illegally obtained press cards to report.
The China Special Native Product has been accused of blackmail and publishing false stories. Its annual verification was postponed, as it is now undergoing rectification before receiving further punishment.
Wang Jun, a professor with the Communication University of China, told the Global Times that paid and fake news stories are rampant in the country as many reporters do not cherish their jobs and the reputation of the industry.
"Violators should be blacklisted and not employed for several years by any media company so as to keep other journalists alert," said Wang, adding that the issuing of press cards should be tightened up.
Copyright ©1999-2011 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
