The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation representing more than 500,000 journalists over 110 countries, has welcomed the release of a Chinese language edition of Live News: A survival guide for journalists.

The Association of Taiwan Journalists (ATJ) today announced the book launch in Taipei, Taiwan during a press conference.

"The IFJ is very pleased that Chinese language journalists will now have access to a valuable resource that will raise journalists' awareness of safe practices and hopefully prevent future tragedies," said IFJ President Christopher Warren.

Live News is an essential resource for journalists working in trouble spots, at home or abroad, and includes comprehensive practical information about the safe practice of journalism in dangerous circumstances.

The book covers what journalists need to 'be prepared', war zones, riots and civil disorder, and abductions and hostage-taking. It also deals with emergency medical aid, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Chinese language edition was sponsored by the Foundation for Excellent Journalism Award.

ATJ president Tony Lu said the untimely death of Taiwanese journalist Chung-cheng Ping last October prompted the ATJ to bring the publication forward.

Chung-cheng Ping, of Taiwan Television Enterprise, was swept away by flashfloods when he was gathering information at the Yuanshantse anti-flood facilities to cover Typhoon Nock-Ten.

Live News: A survival guide for journalists is also available online in English at www.ifj.org/pdfs/safetyall.pdf and Arabic at www.newssafety.com/safety/documents/Livenewsarabic.doc

MORE INFORMATION

For further information, contact Christopher Warren, tel: +61 (0) 411 757 668, or the IFJ, International Press Centre, Residence Palace, Block C, 155 Rue de la Loi, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium, tel: +322 235 2200 or +322 235 2207, fax: +322 235 2219, Internet: www.ifj.org