NewCommercial Radio refutes sacked host Li Wei-ling's political pressure claim
Commercial Radio general manager says Li Wei-ling had 'wounded' Hong Kong as concerns about freedom of speech mount
Commercial Radio has hit back at sacked host Li Wei-ling's allegation that the broadcaster had given in to government pressure in dismissing her.
Without disclosing the grounds for the dismissal, the radio station's general manager, Rita Chan Ching-han, yesterday criticised Li, fired on Wednesday, for "gravely wounding" Hong Kong.
Li's firing has raised the question of whether the radio station is protecting freedom of speech amid recent controversial media arrangements in the city.
Chan's remarks came a day after Li said that the station's chief adviser, Stephen Chan Chi-wan, who stepped down as chief executive 24 hours before her dismissal, had complained about the Department of Justice "targeting" him in a bribery case due to Li's criticism of the government.
Li said Stephen Chan had encountered difficulties when approaching the Communications Authority about the renewal of the station's licence, which expires in 2016.
[Li’s claim] is unfair to me. This is a blow, if not an insult, to my integrity
Li also said an ally of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying had told her to "take care of her job" before her removal. Li has provided no evidence to support her accusations.