Editorials

Protecting journalists

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-09-18 08:07

The country has become more pluralistic, making the role of journalists as a watchdog increasingly important for the delivery of social justice. But the truth is that it has become more difficult and risky for journalists to conduct investigations and interviews.

In such circumstances, people from all walks of life need to help journalists protect their rights. This is precisely what the role of a monetary aid program for journalists, launched on Wednesday, would be.

Twelve journalists were chosen for the first award of 5,000 yuan each. Among the 12 to receive the monetary aid, the first for journalists in the country, is a reporter who was exposed to radiation while covering the war in Iraq, and a journalist who a local public security bureau put on its wanted list because of his investigative reporting. The family of a reporter who lost his life in last month's air crash while traveling on work was also among the recipients.

The program, which already has a 200,000-yuan fund, will provide financial aid to journalists who have suffered physical and/or psychological damage during the course of their work or are badly in need of help to protect their rights.

The 5,000-yuan aid may not mean much compared to the difficulties journalists face today, but it is a reflection of support for their efforts to uncover the truth. That the ceremony to launch the program was attended by government officials in charge of the press sends a message that journalists have the support of the government in their quest for truth.

Corrupt and unscrupulous people have always tried their best to prevent reporters from exposing the truth. Many journalists have faced verbal and physical assaults in the past. Some of them have been detained or harassed to prevent them from talking with someone or digging through written or other materials to find the truth.

When some local governments or enterprises illegally use administrative or judicial resources to prevent reporters from interviewing people, it becomes quite difficult for them to investigate a story or protect their professional rights.

Honest and socially conscious journalists should be supported in every way possible to enable them to fulfill their mission of uncovering the truth. We need to encourage young journalists more and help instill in them the belief that their role as a watchdog of society is indispensable and important for building a harmonious society.

This is where the importance of the aid program lies.

China Daily

(China Daily 09/18/2010 page5)