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Download New Express published a front-page apology on Sunday after one of its reporters who is being detained due to allegations of defamation made a televised confession. The Guangzhou newspaper had previously printed editorials on its front page appealing to police in Hunan province to release Chen Yongzhou, stating there was no evidence of wrongdoing. The U-turn came after the journalist appeared on China Central Television on Saturday and said he had received money to write defamatory articles about Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Development. The heavy-engineering company is based in Changsha, Hunan province. In Sunday's apology, New Express said it had failed to properly review Chen's articles before publication, which had caused serious harm to public trust in the media. It had been taught a profound lesson, the editorial read, and added, "We'll improve our publication process, ask our reporters to respect facts and laws and abide by journalist professional requirements and ethics." Chen was taken into custody at his home in Guangzhou on Oct 18 and accused of damaging Zoomlion's reputation. China Daily was unable to contact his lawyer on Sunday. According to the CCTV report, the 27-year-old delivered his confession from Changsha No 1 Detention Center. He admitted posting more than 10 unverified stories that the company had losses of State assets , abnormal sales practices and false financial reporting between September 2017 and August this year. | 
