CHINA: BOCOG releases official service guide for foreign media

China prepares international journalists for the upcoming Olympic Games

By Melissa Wang
AsiaMedia Staff Writer

Monday, May, 14, 2007

The Beijing Organizing Committee of the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG) released an official service guide for foreign media last week which says foreign journalists in China can conduct interviews if they receive consent from the interviewees and can report on public emergencies.

The "Service Guide for Foreign Media Coverage of the Beijing Olympic Games and Preparatory Period" also contains information about housing, visa procedures and insurance for journalists visiting the country.

The BOCOG says on its website that the main purpose of the guide is to facilitate the period that the foreign media will be in China covering the XXIX Olympics.  The guide is an attempt to display willingness to provide a convenient and friendly working environment for foreign journalists.

An estimated 20,000 journalists will be in China reporting on the games. The complete service guide in English and Chinese can be found on the BOCOG website.  A paper version for distribution to media organizations will also be available soon, according to the website.

Date Posted: 5/14/2007