Hong Kong Media Practicing Self-Censorship: Survey

Hong Kong media is increasingly engaged in self-censorship, according to a survey released last week. The Hong Kong University Public Opinion Program carried out its annual survey in April. Of about one thousand respondents, more than half believed local media practiced self-censorship. This is the highest level since Hong Kong was handed back to the Chinese Communist Party in 1997.

The survey found that two thirds of the population believed local media was hesitant in criticizing the Communist regime. According to Hong Kong Journalists Association Chairwoman Mak Yin-ting, this is because more media companies are strengthening their ties with the regime.

[Mak Yin-ting, Hong Kong Journalists Association Chairwoman]:
“Now more than half of Hong Kong media bosses or high level management have been absorbed by the Communist government. Some have become representatives of the National People’s Congress. This will affect how news is handled down the hierarchy. They may consider whether reporting on some issues would affect the relationship between their bosses and the Central Government.”

Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor Director Law Yuk-kai says one example of self-censorship is on news related to Falun Gong, a spiritual practice persecuted by the Chinese regime.

[Law Yuk-kai, Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor Director]:
“Often we see parades by Falun Gong involving more than one thousand people, but you can’t see this on the news. On the other hand, something that involves a few dozen people would be reported. This is likely because the [communist regime] has an opinion about this issue.”

Law believes this self-censorship will eventually hurt local media. The Hong Kong University survey found that public perception of media credibility has slumped to a three year low.

[Law Yuk-kai, Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor Director]:
“If self-censorship goes on because of political reasons, the public would not be happy, and choose options like not buying newspapers or watch televisions. In the end, the media will become the victim.”

Overall, the survey found less people are satisfied with Hong Kong media, because of indicators like press freedom and credibility.