According to Zheng Mengxiong, an ACJA vice chairman, in 1935, the then Kuomintang government was pressured by professionals from the mass media to approve the launching of a journalists' day dated September 1.

Since October 1, 1949, when the People's Republic of China was founded, "Journalists' Day" had always been among official festivals, though without a specific date.

On August 1 this year, the State Council set November 8 as the Chinese Journalists' Day to make the profession the third in the country to have its own festival, following teachers and nurses.

The letter from ACJA said that after decades of effort, China's press undertakings have witnessed glory and progress.

It added that at the turn of the century, journalists are required to shoulder heavy responsibilities, and urged journalists to carry on the fine tradition, stick to the correct orientation and to further improve their work.

In a related development, as of November 8, the State Post Bureau is to issue a commemorate post card to mark China's first " journalists' day".

The celebration of Chinese Journalists' Day is expected to help mass media workers improve their professional ethics and their image among the public, according to some local experts.

The professional gala will also contribute to boosting the protection of the rights and interests of journalists and enlarging their role as public watchdog.

(People's Daily 11/8/2000)