Reuters pledges 'unbiased' coverage of Beijing Games

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-04 21:55

"The Games are very important to China, as it's the first time that China is hosting the Olympics. Therefore there will be much attention from the west."

The Beijing Games are different from previous editions of the event, in view of China's rising economy and its size, which could be very "symbolic" for the world and attract many positive and negative stories from foreign media, he said.

Reuters, however, will not produce stories from first time impressions. Instead, it will provide insightful stories for its clients to understand the true situation in the country, Schlesinger pledged.

The Reuters head has had long-time contact with China since he made his first visit in 1979. He was posted in Beijing during 1991 and 1994 as a Reuters correspondent. Even now, he visits Beijing at least once a year.

For Reuters, "the biggest problem and challenge is to find reporters who understand both the language, culture and Chinese society," he said.

Cooperation between Reuters and Xinhua has been going on for 50 years, with traditional friendship and mutual understanding, Schlesinger said. Xinhua staff were also invited to join recently-held Reuters training courses.

Schlesinger said he believes that as the official news agency for the Olympic host country, Xinhua will do a good job during the Games.

Previous page 1 2 Next Page