Beijing, May 4 (IANS): Authorities in China are going to launch a three-month drive against journalists who are involved in blackmail or demand pay-offs for news reporting.

The crackdown, which commences May 15, will target so-called news reporting and blackmail journalism activities by fake press entities or journalists, and kickback-oriented practices by accredited media organisations and people, the China Daily reported.

The administration and two central agencies have jointly issued a circular about the campaign, Xinhua reported, citing a statement from the General Administration of Press and Publication, the government's administrative agency responsible for drafting and enforcing China's restraint regulations.

The circular has asked media groups to fire staff involved in such malpractice and crack down on reporting based on kickbacks and the carrying of advertisements in the form of news reports.

Those who are suspected of being involved in crimes will be transferred to judicial departments.