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)