winning press freedom conference

If a journalist’s coverage of any event, especially the controversial ones, does not please the Chinese authorities, the risks are grave for any impartial professional.

A Western reporter planning to cover the Games inside and outside the Olympic Village should heed the advise of Chinese journalists who have the experience to “work the system.”

One of those professionals is Fan Ho Tsai, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, who told the Paris conference that reporting the truth in China can be a not only tricky but also illegal.

Reporting the Truth is a Very Tricky Thing in China
By Fan Ho Tsai

We are happy that Cheng Cheong was released on medical parole but also disappointed that he was incarcerated for 1000 days before his release.

There was no statement about the meaning of his parole. He could be put back into jail if the government considers his behavior not good enough.

It’s difficult to cover news in mainland China from Hong Kong (it’s not politically correct to say mainland China).

China has made a lot of progress after the reforms started in 1979. There is a younger, more open-minded leadership. But there still are restrictions on news coverage.

There are 700 foreign journalists in China, over 300 news companies. Every year some 5000 journalists go to China to cover issues. There are different rules for foreign correspondents. There are more restrictions on the press because they can deny a visa.

Hong Kong is part of China, and so journalists from Hong Kong can go to China with a pass. One has to apply to enter China from Hong Kong, even as a tourist.

The electronic media report across this border every day. But if a journalist wishes to send news from the other than three major cities, such coverage, without permission, is illegal.

News doesn’t wait for documents, so if there are big disasters in China, major news organizations will send journalists to the site immediately. It all depends on the sensitivity of the news.

Hong Kong journalists should have easier access, but it’s not so easy. A reporter once said that he’d been followed while doing interviews. He knew he was being observed so that the “right” answers were given.

Another time, I went along with a TV crew though while reporting for a radio station to cover flooding. Thousands of homes were destroyed, one person died, and on the second day, we were told that we were doing illegal reporting. We were placed in a room, and were told that we were in breach of the laws, and each one of us was interviewed individually.

I was told to turn over the audio recording, and I told them that the tapes were property of my company and refused to surrender the tapes. I was able to clear off some of my recordings, and they asked me to write a letter of repentance.

That this is wrong but hat to write a statement that I’d been sent in by my station, whiche let me off the hook.

They then treated us to a farewell dinner. An official talked to our driver and told him to take us nowhere or he’d be in danger. I hope, as a Chinese, that things will improve in my country.

Fan Ho Tsai is Chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association.