In 1958, the Xinhua News Agency’s domestic branches and the People’s Daily’s correspondent stations were merged, and their administrative structure was transferred to the local Party committees. This matter was reported to the Chairman, who said:

“This should have been done long ago. In the past, even the provinces had no real control over them. Now this arrangement is suited to the country’s conditions. The provincial Party committees are better placed than you are to manage them. As a result, the branches will no longer feel isolated; they will have support.”