Laying to rest old Hollywood concepts

Only three decades ago, weather forecasts in China were considered virtually a state secret. Twenty years ago, reporters were permitted nothing more than carefully guided visits and stilted interviews. Now, getting timely information is becoming relatively easier.

Why is it important for foreign correspondents to report freely?

When China was closed off to foreigners, reporting on the country relied on a small band of China-watchers, mostly based in Hong Kong, or government officials in various capitals. Without setting foot on the mainland, they interpreted China and drew caricatures of it according to their own parochial notions and political agendas. At best, this resulted in simplistic, one-dimensional images of China. At worst, journalists became mere appendages to their governments and were subjected to their "spins".