Campaign targets journalists involved in blackmail

BEIJING, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have announced a three-month special campaign against journalists involved in blackmail or demanding pay-offs in news reporting.

The crackdown from May 15 will target so-called news reporting and blackmail journalism activities by fake press entities or journalists, and kickback-oriented practices by accredited media organizations and people.

According to a statement Xinhua received Thursday from the General Administration of Press and Publication, the administration and another two central agencies have jointly issued a circular about the campaign.

It demanded media groups fire staff involved in such malpractice and crack down on reporting based on kick-backs and the carrying of advertisements in the form of news reports.

Those who are suspected of being involved in crimes will be transferred to judicial departments.