19 July 2006
PUBLIC BROADCASTER'S FUTURE AT STAKE
At a time when the space for media freedom in Hong Kong is contracting and many previously independent newspapers have toned down their coverage of sensitive matters, the need for a truly independent public broadcaster is more vital than ever, says the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HJKA). Yet press freedom advocates fear possible moves to turn government-owned Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) into an organ of state propaganda.
In January 2006, the government set up a committee to review public broadcasting in Hong Kong, notes HKJA in its 2006 annual report, entitled "RTHK Under Siege." Given the intense criticism of RTHK by pro-Beijing politicians, who argue it should better reflect the government's views, there has been considerable suspicion about the motives for the review.
Early news from the review committee has been reassuring for those, including HKJA, who call for RTHK, currently a government department, to become an independent public broadcaster, free from government financial interference or pressure. In March, the committee released a report on its consultations with broadcasters and academics, which found consensus on the need for a public broadcaster with editorial independence.
However, uncertainties remain about the committee's final recommendations and how Hong Kong's government and chief executive will respond to the review. Options range from maintaining the status quo, setting up an independent corporation (modelled after the BBC), turning RTHK into a government mouthpiece, or selling it off to the private sector.
Other issues of concern to Hong Kong journalists in the last year include a government bill on the interception of communications and covert surveillance that could compromise confidential journalistic material, says HKJA. The role of Yahoo Holdings (Hong Kong) in providing information to authorities in Beijing that led to a ten-year prison sentence for journalist Shi Tao has also been the subject of an investigation by Hong Kong's Privacy Commission.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong journalist Ching Cheong, who faces spying charges in Beijing, is still detained more than a year after his initial arrest. HKJA says the detention has had a chilling effect on media coverage of mainland China as journalists fear retribution if they stray over ill-defined lines of what Beijing considers acceptable.
Read HKJA's report here: http://www.hkja.org.hk/press_free/a_report/AR2006.pdf
Visit these links:
- ARTICLE 19 Submission to the Committee on the Review of Public Service Broadcasting
http://www.article19.org/pdfs/analysis/hong-kong-psb.pdf
- IFJ Calls for Stronger Public Service Broadcaster in Hong Kong
http://www.ifj.org/default.asp?index=3658&Language=EN
- Broadcaster feels a chill in Hong Kong
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/07/11/business/hkradio.php
- IFEX members urge release of detained reporter Ching Cheong
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/74020
- CPJ: "Hong Kong complaint targets Yahoo for role in jailed journalist case"
http://www.cpj.org/news/2006/asia/china31mar06na.html
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