No excuse for media payments

There are reasons why the news media is called the fourth estate in liberal societies. It provides checks and balance on the powers that be, exposes malpractices and injustice, and, above all, brings truth to the people.

Its credibility owes much to a commitment to report the news without fear or favour. Unfortunately, every industry has bad apples. When newsmakers themselves become the scandal, public trust is seriously undermined.

Mainland news media are not known for being vigilant watchdogs. Far from being independent and freewheeling, news organisations are largely official mouthpieces.

But just because they operate in a different environment does not mean basic journalistic principles can be discarded. A scandal in which journalists of an influential business news outlet allegedly blackmailed companies with their reports is disturbing. It raises serious questions over media credibility.

Those who did so were rewarded with positive coverage. Eight people, including executives from two PR firms, have been detained by Shanghai police for investigation.