China prohibits misconduct in boosting newspaper subscription

The government has launched a nationwide crackdown on misconduct in the distribution of newspapers and magazines, such as publishing favorable stories in return for more subscriptions or forcing subscriptions via administrative orders.

The action, which will last until the beginning of next year, was launched amid a resurgence of administrative orders making subscriptions to certain publications mandatory, as well as other distribution violations, said the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television in a circular made public on Monday.

Newspaper and magazine publishers shall not promote their circulation by offering commissions, cash, gifts or overseas trips, nor shall they do this by blackmailing entities under threat of negative coverage, the document said.

Vowing severe punishment for violators, the administration has set up a special office to guide the implementation of the crackdown and promoted hotlines to facilitate public tip-offs about misconduct. Endit