A draft regulation on corruption prevention in South
China's Shenzhen Special Economic Zone stipulates that journalists shall enjoy
the right of "reasonable distrust?of government officials and officials should
co-operate in allowing media skepticism.
This draft is to be discussed at the local people's
congress early this year.
Media supervision is playing an increasingly important
role in preventing corruption today.
But it is not rare to see government officials filing
lawsuits against media over violations of their right of reputation or privacy
when reporting on their information and activities.
Should the media conduct such reports about officials?
Are those reports really violating the officials?rights?
The conflicts between individual interests and the public
interest, individual's right of reputation or privacy and the public right to
know have long shadowed media supervision.
To solve the problem, media should be given certain
exemptions. And the stipulation granting journalists rights of reasonable
distrust in the Shenzhen regulation will certainly help.
Such a stipulation accords with public interests. Public
figures have the right of reputation and privacy. But when going against public
interest, these individual rights should be subordinated to the public interest.
Reports on officials?corrupt activities should be protected and encouraged.
Otherwise media supervision will only be a milquetoast cheque.
Besides, such a stipulation conforms to the public's
right to know. Citizens have the legal right to understand what is going on
about activities, property, and other information of government officials and
their families. Officials cannot employ the right of reputation and privacy to
reject public supervision. Media reports and criticism are effective forms of
public supervision. Exemptions to certain extent will enable journalists to do a
better job of placing the spotlight on poor government.
Before the formulation of a press law in the country,
Shenzhen's regulation, once passed, will be a breakthrough to promote media
supervision and prevent corruption.
(China Daily )
