BEIJING – China is changing a law to “better protect journalists’ legitimate interview rights” when reporting on emergencies such as disasters, while also pledging to provide timely information by holding press conferences and organising interviews.

But the amendments, the first ever to the Emergency Response Law enacted in 2007, have sparked worries among local reporters that they will translate to tighter restrictions on on-the-scene reporting and interviews in favour of official narratives.

The legal revision to the law passed on June 28 contained a new clause stating that local governments should “guide news media organisations and support them in reporting and control of discussions”.

News organisations should also…