Top editor at major Hong Kong newspaper abruptly sacks deputy
Ming Pao management claim financial difficulties behind decision, but staff and lawmakers voice concern over editorial independence
A top editor of a major Hong Kong newspaper was abruptly fired on Wednesday, triggering anger among its staff members and deepening concern about press freedom in the city.
Management at Chinese-language Ming Pao insisted that staff members including executive chief editor Keung Kwok-yuen were dismissed to cut costs, but the paper’s union believes that the move was meant to punish “dissidents of editorial decisions” like Keung.
It also came as local media companies struggled to survive. Earlier this month, Sing Tao News Corporation announced a pay cut for senior news executives.
A Ming Pao Staff Association spokesperson said Keung was fired by his boss, chief editor Chong Tien Siong, early Wednesday with immediate effect, and the staff members “are extremely angry”. Keung could not be reached for comment.