BOCOG yesterday published guidelines for foreign media to follow
when reporting from the Beijing Olympics next year, in a volume
entitled The Service Guide for Foreign Media Coverage of the
Beijing Olympic Games and the Preparatory Period.
The companion exists as an aid to foreign journalists planning
to report on the 2008 Beijing Olympics and accompanies the
Regulations on Reporting Activities in China by Foreign
Journalists during the Beijing Olympic Games and the Preparatory
Period which was passed earlier this year.
The Guide presents a range of solutions to commonly-encountered
problems ranging from the procedural such as visa applications and
customs clearances to the professional, aiding journalists with
travel and interviews as well as employing Chinese assistants. The
nitty-gritty is also encountered for with explanations about
housing regulations, applications for radio frequency use,
temporary driving permits as well as taxation and insurance. The
details do not discriminate between various press outlets, catering
to non-accredited media as well as registered individuals including
rights-holders, written and photographic members of the press
corps.?
BOCOG also unveiled its 24-hour "One-stop" service mechanism as
part of the guide, specifying that the Olympic Media Center will
liaise with central authorities for the issuing of all permits to
foreign media organizations and to tackle any problems that may
arise.
After being initially published on the official BOCOG website,
the guide will now be printed and dispatched to relevant media
organs.
Furthermore, the service guides for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan
media wishing to report on the Olympics will also soon be
released.
Full text of the service guide released by
BOCOG.
(China.org.cn by Li Xiao May 10, 2007)