Opportunities await the city’s media industry
New SAR leader calls on journalists to maintain professionalism, news ethics
Hong Kong’s media industry stands to benefit from countless sources arising from the rapid development of the special administrative region, as the city aligns itself with national strategies and heads towards becoming an international hub for technology and the arts, the city’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Friday.
Lee made the remarks at the awards ceremony of the city’s prestigious Hong Kong News Awards 2021.
This year, the contest — organized by the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong — had 619 entries from 12 Chineseand English-language newspapers in the city. China Daily Hong Kong Edition won 10 prizes across eight categories at the awards.
Officiating the event, Lee cited President Xi Jinping’s speech in the city on July 1, saying that the next five years will be a critical period in Hong Kong’s development, and that the media can play an important role in telling a good Hong Kong story.
Extending his congratulations to all award winners, Lee encouraged them to maintain their professionalism and news ethics, as always, while also reporting quality news stories and striving for excellence.
Noting that national security could be endangered by some parties operating under the guise of press freedom, Lee warned that the government
will unswervingly act against illegal activities, and that real media professionals should stay away from such activities.
Looking ahead, Lee said he hopes the media industry will make the best use of its reach and influence by composing a new and fascinating chapter for Hong Kong.
Alice Kwok Yim-ming, chairwoman of the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong, said the 619 entries this year are of a high standard, and reflect the persistence and enthusiasm of those reporting quality news stories.
Kwok added that, as part of the mainstream media, the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong will also shoulder its social responsibilities and adhere to the principles of objectivity and impartiality in news publishing.