Saturday marks the annual Journalists' Day in China.

Contrary to the sentiment of the festival, however, is public criticism of journalists in the recent scandal, in which reporters took bribes from coal mine owners in return for covering up a mining accident in north China's Shanxi province.

China Youth Daily ran an article pointing out that the incident should serve as a warning for all journalists before the festival.

The article says journalists ought to keep the duties and responsibilities of the profession in mind at all times. It stresses that only by devoting themselves to seeking and reporting the truth can journalists gain public trust and respect.

The article also calls for public support, saying that good journalism is vital to maintaining a stable and harmonious society.