Guangzhou paper apologises for detained reporter's story
Guangzhou-based newspaper New Express issued a front-page apology recanting its bold defence of its reporter detained after reporting on a listed company's "financial problems", adding another twist to the media controversy.
A mainland newspaper issued a front-page apology yesterday recanting its bold defence of its reporter detained after reporting on a listed company's "financial problems", adding another twist to the media controversy.
The statement was the latest public disavowal of journalist Chen Yongzhou, despite initial public sympathy after his detention and open support by his employer, Guangzhou-based newspaper New Express, in rare defiance against state censors.
"This newspaper was not strict enough about thoroughly fact-checking the draft of the report," it said in a small announcement on a bottom corner of its front page.
"After the incident occurred the newspaper took inappropriate measures, seriously harming the public trust of the media."
The paper promised to "make serious corrections" and better ensure its reporters and editors "comply with professional journalistic ethics and regulations".
The statement came a day after Chen appeared on state television in a green prison uniform to "confess" after being detained for more than a week earlier on "suspicion of damaging business reputation".
Video: Detained Chinese journalist makes a confession on China state TV, admits taking bribe