By Joseph S. Margai in Beijing, China
The Director of the International Liaison Department of the All China Journalists Association, Rong Changhai, has disclosed that at a special meeting in Beijing organized by the China-Africa Press Center recently that in January 2014, they established an aid scheme to compensate Chinese journalists, when they get injured in the course of discharging their lawful responsibilities.
Chanhai said since they started the program, they have dished out 1.9 million Chinese Yuan, which is equivalent to over US$302,147 and over two billion Sierra Leonean Leones (Le2bn) to 30 journalists who had been injured or disabled while practicing in the field.
He revealed that the scheme is not only benefiting Chinese journalists, but also foreign journalists working for Chinese media, citing that a foreign journalist who was working for a Chinese media in Afghanistan was injured and the association gave him 300,000 Chinese Yuan (RMB 300,000), which is equivalent to over US$47,695 and over 367 million Sierra Leonean Leones (Le367m).
He said the association has over one million journalists coming from 218 journalists unions in China, but only 240 journalists have been licensed.
“Journalists must be employed by a recognized news organization, passing a set national examination before being issued a license and press card to become a member of the All China Journalists Association,” he noted.
He said the association has five functions, which include self-discipline of its members, conducting training for members, protect member’s legal rights, awarding of awards for professional practice, etc.
He recalled that that in 2017, they dished out 500 awards for various categories of winners and that the best award winning journalist received the sum of 100,000 Chinese Yuan which is equivalent to over US$15,912, over one hundred and twenty-two million Sierra Leonean Leones (Le122m).
Rong Chanhai, who said they don’t have private media in China, revealed that the association’s source of revenue includes government, membership subscription, donations from companies, social organizations and individuals.
He said if a journalist is blocked from interviewing someone or to access certain place, they will intervene and solve the issue in the interest of the journalist.
However, he said, in the area of fake news, the association would work closely with the government to investigate and if a journalist is found guilty, the license would be withdrawn.
He revealed that currently there are 700 foreign journalists stationed in China and the association is aware of their presence and the work they do.
In the area of exchange program, he said every year, the association receives 30 journalists from other countries and 20 Chinese journalists go the other way.
Quizzed whether the Chinese media report on the China-United States of America’s trade war has not helped to create more conflict, he hastened to say in his view, Chinese media report on the current trade disputes has been objective.
