On February 2, 2010, People’s Daily published an article on a current media rule, the “Golden 4-Hour,” for reporting an unexpected incident in China. “Golden 4-Hour” requires Chinese journalists to release an authoritative news report on a sudden incident within four hours so as to lead public opinion and quell the incident.
As for how to report an emergency, a considerable number of local leaders, such as Tianjin Mayor Huang Xingguo and Shanghai Party Secretary Yu Zhengsheng, have reached a consensus to “release a news report immediately but be wary about any causes or reasons” with follow-up reports on the government’s effort in terms of what has been done, what is being done, and what will be done.
Source: People’s Daily, February 2, 2010
http://politics.people.com.cn/GB/1026/10905674.html