Into a brave news world
Some observers attributed the timely and comprehensive coverage of the quake to the ideological emancipation that accompanied China's reform and opening-up over the past 30 years, which also brought about remarkable political progress and transparency in the country, says a commentary in Xinhua News Agency. The following is an excerpt:
On May 12, a powerful earthquake jolted Sichuan Province. Minutes later, the Xinhua News Agency began pouring out stories on the quake, while the China Central Television (CCTV) interrupted its regular programs to give viewers round-the-clock coverage of the disaster.
The whole world was watching the quick and efficient relief work carried by the government and the people, seeing tens of thousands of military and civilian rescuers rush to the quake zone, with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao standing among the ruins to soothe the survivors and encourage relief workers.
