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HKMO hails landmark ruling for press freedom, calls for greater transparency in China

The Hong Kong Overseas Media (HKMO) celebrates a pivotal legal victory for press freedom, while raising concerns over increasing challenges to information access in Mainland China. HKMO’s Chairman underscores the crucial role of free information flow in society.

Radio broadcaster killed in the Philippines: police

A radio broadcaster, Cresenciano Bunduquin, was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen outside his home in the Philippines. The country is known for being dangerous for journalists, and most cases go unpunished. Bunduquin had been outspoken about local issues and had mentioned receiving threats in the past.

Asia Sentinel holds fast to controversial story amidst Singapore’s POFMA correction demand

Despite complying with a correction order under Singapore’s ‘Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act of 2019’ (POFMA), the California-based news outlet, Asia Sentinel, staunchly stands by its controversial story, thereby countering alleged attempts by the Singapore government to silence critics.

Minister Josephine Teo reassures continued trust in Singapore media, despite SMT circulation scandal

Minister Josephine Teo assures that government funding for Singapore media will not jeopardize the trust between the media and the government, emphasizing the importance of credibility and audience engagement. She highlights the role of the media in nation-building and unity during challenging times. While acknowledging the disruption caused by online platforms, she emphasizes the need for media companies to undergo successful digital transformation and provide effective news provision. Minister Teo also reaffirms the government’s commitment to supporting local media and their efforts to provide high-quality and credible content. In February, Mrs. Teo confirmed the government’s commitment to funding SPH Media Trust (SMT) for local newsroom development, despite the revelation of inflated circulation data between September 2020 and March 2022.

Vice Media files for bankruptcy protection

Digital news media company Vice Media has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to facilitate its sale. Vice, once valued at US$5.7 billion, struggled as advertising revenues declined. The company has agreed to an asset purchase agreement with a consortium of lenders, including Fortress Investment Group and Soros Fund Management, who submitted a credit bid of around US$225 million. Vice’s bankruptcy filing aims to facilitate the sale process, and the company plans to continue producing content across its media brands.

Taiwan publishers warn against visiting China as editor held

Publishers in Taiwan cautioned against visiting mainland China and Hong Kong after the detention of editor Li Yanhe, who went missing and is now suspected of national security crimes. The incident has created a chilling effect on Taiwan’s literary community, with concerns extending to media professionals and even individuals critical of China on social media. Activists and journalists have expressed alarm over the situation, calling for Li’s release and decrying China’s crackdown on freedoms.

Lost in Translation: The misreporting of Lee Hsien Yang’s passport situation by Mothership based on translated report

In a striking example of lost in translation and reliance on third-party sources, Lianhe Zaobao and Mothership inaccurately reported that Lee Hsien Yang’s passport was ‘seized’ by authorities, rather than being held for immigration issues.

Tech industry allowing ‘deluge’ of misinformation: RSF

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has ranked the environment for journalism as “bad” in 70% of the 180 countries it assessed in its annual ranking of press freedom. In its 21st annual report published on World Press Freedom Day, the non-governmental organisation highlighted the rise of misinformation, aided by AI software and political propaganda. The Middle East and North Africa remained the most dangerous region for journalists, while Europe remained the safest, though attacks on journalists in Germany saw it drop five places.

Straits Times censors mention of Singapore in news about Israeli spyware

The Straits Times, a Singaporean mainstream media publication, removed Singapore’s mention in a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP) that Israeli-made spyware resembling the notorious Pegasus program was used to target journalists and opposition politicians in several countries. The spyware and related hacking software was created by QuaDream Ltd, a firm established by a former Israeli military official and veterans of NSO Group, the creator of Pegasus. At least five people have reportedly been targeted by QuaDream’s spyware and exploits in various countries. Citizen Lab identified servers in 10 countries that received data from victims’ devices, including Israel, Singapore, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and Bulgaria.

Hong Kong journalists find new homes overseas as media crackdown persists

A new survey by the Association of Overseas Hong Kong Media Professionals (AOHKMP) and supported by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) found that hundreds of Hong Kong journalists have fled to countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States following the crackdown on freedom of expression in the former British colony. The research also produced the first comprehensive picture of newly established overseas Hong Kong media platforms providing independent news and commentary. Chair of the AOHKMP, Joseph Ngan, said, “This survey paints a picture of an exiled media community facing multiple challenges combined with a motivation to maintain the tradition of a free Hong Kong media, albeit in exile.”