Why Hong Kong police won’t win many fans by slamming RTHK

With reference to your article titled “Watchdog scraps rule over airing of RTHK programmes” (March 5), the Hong Kong police chief seems to be struggling to defend the image of our 30,000-strong force. Will the police’s complaint against RTHK over its satirical show Headliner restore the reputation of the force?

The TV show has long been one of the most watched in Hong Kong, as it mirrors the impact of current events on local people’s lives. Other RTHK programmes, such as Hong Kong Connection and Below the Lion Rock, are also close to Hongkongers’ hearts.

Over nearly three decades, Headliner has covered a wide variety of social issues. Since the start of extradition bill movement in June 2019, it has focused upon a series of events across the territory. It documented the response of the government to the many street protests, as well as the actions of pro-democracy demonstrators in various districts.  

The protesters upended life in the city with roadblocks, arson, vandalism and confrontations with the police. To maintain law and order, a number of riot police officers appeared to abuse the power of their positions by roughly handling protesters. They indiscriminately fired tear gas, rubber bullets, beanbag rounds and pepper spray at demonstrators, including peaceful opponents, passers-by, tourists and news reporters.

Do these officers deployed to handle the social unrest boost the image of the Hong Kong police? Do they treat all arrested demonstrators on the streets with impartiality during clearance operations?

The Communications Authority’s announcement to the public that TVB would no longer be required to broadcast RTHK shows was rather abrupt.

Hong Kong’s core values of freedom of speech and freedom of the press must be upheld.

Pages Ng, Tuen Mun