Hong Kong’s largest television broadcaster TVB defends neutrality of news coverage, lambasts extradition bill protesters for attacking journalists
- Intimidating journalists or boycotting channel are attempts to influence reporting which affects freedom of press, TVB chief says
- Station writes to staff and also announces early pay rise
Hong Kong’s largest television broadcaster has defended the neutrality of its news coverage on the extradition bill protests, lambasting protesters’ action against the station as unreasonable and an infringement of press freedom.
Mark Lee Po-on, chief executive officer of Television Broadcasts (TVB), wrote to all staff on Monday that the company “resolutely opposed” intimidation against its journalists and the online call for boycotting, which he saw as attempts to influence its reporting.
“It was predictable that TVB was caught in the recent protests and conflicts … but the series of events was beyond reason, and severely intervenes with press freedom,” Lee wrote an internal memo. “These measures cannot deter TVB from continuing to provide diverse and live news broadcasting.”
Lee also pledged that the company would stand by its staff from all divisions and asked them to “stand fast and defend press freedom”.
“TVB has always respected citizens’ opinion. The news division has upheld the principles of neutrality, fairness and unbiased reporting to reflect calls from all walks of life,” he said.
TVB, established in 1967, became the latest target of protesters after posts on online forum accused the station of reporting in favour of the government and pro-establishment camp during clashes and marches against the controversial extradition bill that would have allowed the transfer of fugitives to mainland China, among other jurisdictions.