Journalists warn of bogus press

Journalists warn of bogus press

TANGERANG: A group of journalists warned government officials
and businessmen on Monday to turn down legislative election
campaign coverage proposals made by people claiming to be
journalists who ask for money in return.

"Real journalists, both print and electronic media, never ask
for money to fulfill our task of covering the election campaign,"
said Syafril Elain, a journalist and also deputy chairman of the
Tangerang Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu).

Officials and businessman have complained that many people
claiming to be journalists have approached them and asked for
money in the last few weeks.

"Every time there is a meeting here, many people posing as
journalists ask for money. Therefore, we have decided to avoid
meeting with the press," said Tangerang General Elections
Commission (KPUD) chairman Jamaludin.

As a consequence, he added, real journalists have had problems
gathering information from the KPUD. -- JP