BEIJING SNAPSHOT: At Olympics, differing views of the news

Reporters from other countries and their Chinese counterparts seem to have different approaches to the daily news conferences at the Beijing Olympics. Thursday’s briefing showcased the varied agendas. IOC spokesman Mark Adams often gives the first question at the briefings to representatives from China Global Television Network, part of CMG — the China Media Group. Then he mixes it up.

The hot topic for Western reporters was the case of Russian superstar skater Kamila Valieva. She is expected to deliver her country a third straight Olympic gold in women’s figure skating. However, she is reported to have tested positive for a banned substance. Adams was not ready to confirm the reports. Western reporters continued to ask.

“There’s a legal issue going on,” Adams said in response to a BBC question. “I can’t say any more than that.” Later he offered the same reply: “It’s a legal case."

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