Call for objective reporting

A bridge in Sanmenxia city of Henan province collapsed after a truck carrying 600 large packages of fireworks exploded on Feb 8, killing 10 people and injuring 11. But one report, instead of focusing on the accident and the victims, praised local officials' rescue operations and somewhat ignored the tragedy itself, triggering a strong response from the public, says an article in Beijing News. Excerpts:

The central government recently asked journalists to "change their writing style" and show concern for the public. What the government has asked journalists to do is to essentially respect journalistic ethics.

The focus of reports on accidents should be the victims, their families and the rescue workers in that order. But often people get to read, hear and see how officials responded to an accident and organized rescue work, followed by scenes of the accident and then perhaps the victims. Many local official websites, media outlets and officials have become used to such a reporting style. Some even manufacture news reports to take credit for their work.

But what local officials say and do is not news, though rescue and relief workers' efforts deserve public recognition. Reports on accidents and natural disasters, like any other report, should be objective and comprehensive instead of focusing on officials.

Indeed, many journalists have to make an effort to change their writing style, but local officials should refrain from using accidents and other tragedies to hog the limelight.