Leaders of world media meet in Beijing

Anchor:

China will continue to protect the rights of international news organizations reporting in the country.

At the World Media Summit in Beijing, Chinese president Hu Jintao says he hopes the gathering will help deepen mutual understanding and friendship among peoples of all nations.

Wang Ling has more.

Reporter:

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the summit, Hu Jintao said the summit, under the theme of "Cooperation, Action, and win-win Development", reflects concerns about the challenges the global media industry is facing.

He also wants the media to demonstrate a willingness to enhance exchanges and cooperation while seeking common development.

"The media should use their distinctive assets and advantages to convey the messages of peace, development, cooperation, mutual benefit and tolerance. All media organizations should be dedicated to the lofty cause of pushing forward peace and development."

He said China will continue to facilitate foreign media and protect the rights and interests of foreign news organizations and reporters in China.

"We will continue to make government affairs public, enhance information distribution, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of foreign news organizations and reporters, and facilitate foreign media coverage of China in accordance with China's laws and regulations."

The meeting has drawn 300 representatives from over 170 media organizations in 80 countries. It will look at the challenges and opportunities the media face from the internet, technology changes and the world economic crisis.

Steve Marcopoto, president of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific of Time Warner company, said the meeting will help develop better mutual understanding among media organizations from around the world.

"First the summit itself is about relationships in people, a platform to openly exchange views, develop better mutual understanding and bring together industry colleagues around the world to enjoy further dialogue and foster valuable cooperation. Perhaps more importantly given we gathering in Beijing, it should provide good opportunity to the international media to better understand China; and at the same time, allows us to share our perspectives with China on how media works around the world."

The World Media Summit was co-launched by Xinhua and eight other world media organizations.

Wang Ling CRI news.