Free media for Games = media free of bad news, one city says

While the central government's new regulations lift restrictions on foreign media ahead of the Olympic Games, a local government in Shandong province has issued a document urging cadres to sweep negative stories under the carpet.

In a document issued by the city government of Pingdu on Friday, all departments, organisations and officials were urged to prepare for the challenge brought by the lifting of restrictions on foreign media.

The document said they should 'use all measures to downsize the impact of negative reporting to a minimum level', adding that end-of-year appraisals would look at success in blocking negative news.

They were also told to report to the city publicity department before giving interviews.

Other measures include controlling leaks and 'blocking malicious information that might intensify social conflicts and uneasiness'.

The Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games has assured the International Olympic Committee that it will respect media freedom and foreign reporters will be able to cover the Games in the same way they covered the Athens and Sydney events.