Newspaper Wins Outstanding News Award with Forged Page
On August 28, the China Journalists＇ Association announced the winners for the 17th Outstanding News Awards. The following day, it was pointed out that the entry from Yangzhou Evening News, which won the third prize, was forged. [1]
According to the China Outstanding News Award entry, the alleged article was first published on October 16 in Yangzhou Evening News on page A5. The article, "Millennium Old City Wins United Nations Residence Award," described the local government＇s success in preserving the old city, winning the highest international honor for their efforts. The article was written by Cheng Jianping, vice editor-in-chief and edited by the editor-in-chief, Chen Zhengyu.
The page turned out to be fabricated. According to witnesses, Yangzhou Evening News published a totally different article on page A5 on October 16. The original papers, which can be found in residents＇ homes, public libraries, and agencies＇ reference rooms, showed an article by a different author on that day. The forged edition has been removed from the paper＇s website.
Unlike fabricating a news story, forging a page of the newspaper is a lot more complicated. The process involves not only the author, but also the editorial and printing processes. It is an impossible feat without the support and consent of the executives.
Yangzhou Evening News and the China Journalists＇ Association have not responded to the accusation. Zan Aizhong, a reporter for the China Ocean News, said he did not think the organization will admit their mistake. According to Zan, they will ignore the incident. Party culture mandates that the China Public Information Agency is always correct.
Although the China Outstanding News Award is the highest honor for journalists in China, many feel that it has become another way to sing praises of the authorities. Zan said many journalists have ignored the award.
|
|
