In a move to forge closer relations between Hong Kong, Macau and the mainland, the central Government has opened the doors to media from the two Special Administrative Regions by allowing them to set up news-gathering bureaus on the mainland.
Shao Huaze, chairman of the All-China Journalists' Association, said last night the long-awaited move would give local media the same access on the mainland as overseas news organisations.
The move would facilitate the two regions' understanding of social, political and economic developments on the mainland, Mr Shao said.
He said news organisations registered in Hong Kong and Macau should apply to set up bureaus through the central Government Liaison Office.
Once the applications were approved by the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, the organisations should register with the All-China Journalists' Association, Mr Shao said.
He said the authorities had already made the necessary preparations and would begin to accept applications from Hong Kong and Macau news organisations after the National Day holidays.
Hong Kong media executives welcomed the announcement.