Hong Kong Journalists Discuss Ethics, Freedom of Speech, and Fairness at U.S. Program Sponsored by Better Hong Kong Foundation First-ever International Workshop Paves Way for Cultural Exchange

Seven Hong Kong journalists representing print, television, radio and cable news outlets have returned from an intensive inaugural two-week training course at the California public university, University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), with several industry challenges, that include:

• leaders of the news media in both Asia and the United States must address the fundamental issues of ethics in the media if the profession is to retain a significant level of credibility
• Asian journalists must review world issues from a perspective outside of their own nationality if they are to aid their countrymen’s understanding of international affairs
• Americans must address whether the extraordinary freedom that is permitted entertainment media in that country does any benefit to the society.

The goal of the Better Hong Kong Foundation in planning this course was to provide Hong Kong journalists with practical experience from an environment and culture outside of their own so that they may return with a more global perspective of reporting on both local and international issues that affect the daily lives of the people of Hong Kong.

The seven journalists representing Hong Kong at the program included:

• Ms. Wong Suk-yee Daisy, Dow Jones Newswires
• Ms. Tang Mel-ling, Hong Kong Cable Television News
• Ms. Leung Shuk-fan Betty, Hong Kong Cable Television News
• Ms. Hung Hiu-king Denise, Hong Kong Economic Times
• Ms. Cheuk Shiu-kwan, Ming Pao
• Ms. Lau Yu-wai Paulina, Radio Television Hong Kong
• Ms. Chow Yin-ling Magdalen, South China Morning Post.

These journalists were selected for the international workshop under an open essay competition supported by the Hong Kong Journalists Association, the Hong Kong News Executives’ Association, and the department heads of the Baptist University’s Department of Journalism, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The program was developed by the Asia Pacific Media Network (APMN) at UCLA, which was founded and is directed by the Los Angeles Times columnist Tom Plate, who also teaches full-time at UCLA.

“The Better Hong Kong Foundation takes pride in working with APMN for holding its first ever international workshop on journalism. Through frank and thought provoking discussions on topical issues, such as media practices and professional ethics, I am sure all participants have benefited greatly from this exchange,” said Mr. George Yuen, Chief Executive of the Better Hong Kong Foundation.

Mr. Plate remarked that he was pleased that the Hong Kong journalists took advantage of this opportunity to reflect upon their own industry with critical evaluation. “Upon their departure, collectively the journalists said that they would return to Hong Kong with a broader perspective of reporting on the important issues that affect the people of Hong Kong in their daily lives. They also committed to reflect upon journalistic ethics as it related to the commercial aspect of their business. In all, I believe they learned a lot about the cultural, political and social environments in both the United States and Hong Kong. I applaud all the participants and organisations that have come together to make this a productive and thought-provoking program,” continued Mr. Plate.

Other participating institutions included the Los Angeles Times; Rand, a Santa Monica-based research institute; the University of Southern California Annenberg School, and the graduate journalism and Asian studies program at California State University Northridge. UCLA professors from the School of Public Policy and Social Research, the Anderson School of Management, and the Pacific Rim Studies Center also participated in the program.

Mr. Yuen also said, “I must congratulate Professor Tom Plate at UCLA, the founder of the APMN, and his team for organising this significant program for Hong Kong journalists. The network truly lives up to its mission in fostering understanding among journalists on both shores of the Pacific and in upgrading the quality of the profession as a pillar of strength in promoting freedom of speech and fair press in our society. The Better Hong Kong Foundation values its ties with the APMN and will continue to play an active role in future endeavours.”

 

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The Better Hong Kong Foundation is a privately funded, non-profit, non-political organization, formed by leading Hong Kong business people. The Foundation aims to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as the regional leading financial, shipping trading, and communications centre. It also serves to enhance greater international understanding between East and West. The Foundation is committed to facilitating communication between Hong Kong and China and the international community.