China wins rare praise for allowing quake media coverage
Posted: 17 May 2008 0632 hrs

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WASHINGTON - China received rare praise Friday for allowing both local and foreign media to cover the effects of the deadly earthquake in the country's southwest region.

Freedom House, an independent US group, said that state-run media coverage of the earthquake "has been far more extensive than in the past with independent outlets gaining similar access to sensitive sites."

Previously, the Chinese government simply closed off access to disaster areas, or in the case of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003, simply denied its existence for several months, the group said.

"In the midst of this great national tragedy, China's government has apparently decided to allow the press more freedom to work," said Paula Schriefer, Freedom House director of advocacy, citing Monday's 7.9-magnitude quake which Beijing said could have left more than 50,000 people dead.

"This distinct break from its usual treatment of journalists deserves recognition from Chinese citizens and internationals alike," she said.

China typically maintains tight control on media.

New restrictions were put in place over the last few years including a 2007 law that allows media outlets' licenses to be revoked if they report "false information" about natural disasters, emergencies or government responses to them without obtaining prior authorization.

Taboo topics for the media include criticism of Communist Party leaders, violations of minority rights in Tibet and Xinjiang regions, as well as Taiwan independence.

- AFP /ls