China cracks down illegal reporting, publishing

The Chinese government has promised to crack down on illegal journalism operations and violations in children’s publishing between January and March.

The campaign, run by the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, will target fake reporters, for-profit journalism, paper and magazine publishing, children’s books and educational materials.

The administration said it was determined to shut down illegal publishers and punish violators. Groups and individuals who published harmful content for children and overpriced teaching materials would also be punished.

"The campaign focuses on the most prominent issues in the journalism and publishing fields, which are closely related to the people, harm people's interests, induce public complaints and strong reactions," a statement released by the administration said.

Last year, the government investigated 200 cases of people posing as journalists. Many of the imposters blackmailed individuals and organisations by threatening to publish negative information. Others were working without proper qualifications approved by the administration.

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