(CRI English)
Updated: 2008-01-14 14:30

An article in Beijing News said the official hearing into roaming fee charges for mobile phones should be broadcast live via television and radio for the public's benefit.

Beijing Consumer's Association in its quest to have mobile roaming fees dropped made it loud and clear what should come of the hearing, and how the hearing should be conducted.

It proposed that the hearing be broadcast to ensure transparency.

The article said the Association has struck a chord with many mobile phone users because hearings, traditionally, have been held behind closed doors. The article commented that closed-door hearings go against the purpose of what hearings are meant to achieve.

It added that a hearing is meant to ensure transparency of government actions, and avoid corruption.

The article argues that openness can be deemed the symbol of a hearing; and a live broadcast is undoubtedly the best way to demonstrate that openness.

A live broadcast of a hearing will ensure the decision made by the government is more convincing.

It is good for the public to have an all-around knowledge of the decision-making process to eliminate any doubts in the process.