New Rules Made For Foreign Press Covering Beijing Games
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BOCOG’s Liu Says China Relaxing
Rules For Olympic Journalists
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BOCOG President Liu Qi said that new rules “meant to make it easier for foreign journalists to report on the [‘08] Beijing Olympics will go into effect next year,” according to Bill Smith of AROUND THE RINGS. Liu: “Foreign journalists holding Olympic identity and accreditation cards will be entitled to visa exemption within the validity of the card. ... The visa application procedures for (other) foreign journalists will also be simplified.” The special regulations covering the Games also will "stipulate a ‘reasonable amount of equipment’ that foreign journalists can bring into China tax-free for temporary use and allow the use of radio equipment ‘in conformity with the Chinese law.’” However, in an “apparent indication that BOCOG and the Chinese government can still limit what subjects visiting journalists can cover legally.” Liu said that accredited foreign media “should apply through BOCOG to film ‘cultural relics.’” At least 20,000 members of the foreign press are expected to cover the Games (AROUNDTHERINGS.com, 8/10).
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