Safeguard the truth and strengthen global reach, John Lee urges Hong Kong media

Hong Kong’s media should eliminate falsehoods and expand their global reach, the chief executive has said, urging news workers to serve as “spokespeople” for good stories about mainland China and Hong Kong.

Speaking on Tuesday at an event marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, city leader John Lee Ka-chiu outlined his two expectations for the industry.

He first directed media workers to safeguard the truth, dispel falsehoods and exalt the good, invoking a Chinese idiom that translates as “draining away filth and ushering in fresh water”.

“The media is a transmitter of public opinion and a guiding light for people’s sentiments,” Lee said.

“Professional news workers must adhere to professional ethics when reporting facts and uphold an objective, fair and impartial approach.”

Lee also urged journalists to remain alert to “hidden dangers” that could disrupt society.

“They must remain vigilant at all times against potential risks that could affect social stability, and push society forward through objective and fair reporting,” he said.

Lee’s second expectation was for the media to “serve as spokespeople” and “tell good stories” about the country.

He pledged continued government support for local media as they sought to strengthen their international influence and competitiveness by “spreading authentic, good stories of mainland China and Hong Kong wider and further”.

“This will allow overseas friends to better understand that today’s China is a source of strength and a stabiliser for global development,” he said.

It would also help the world better understand Hong Kong’s roles as a “superconnector” and “super value-adder”, as well as the opportunities the city offered, benefiting residents, businesses and international investors, Lee added.

Lee and his administration have frequently promoted the idea of “telling good Hong Kong stories” since he first used the phrase in his inaugural policy address in 2022.

Hong Kong had weathered the 2019 protests, the enactment of the national security law, the Covid-19 pandemic and electoral reforms Lee said, adding that certain external forces had been “deliberately smearing the country and distorting the situation”.

He also said the city was a good place where people could make their dreams come true, emphasising the need to “present the true picture of Hong Kong to the world”.

In the city’s first five-year plan and his policy address, both unveiled earlier this month, Lee expressed renewed support for the local media industry, including efforts to strengthen its global reach.

He said on Tuesday that the government would continue to help Hong Kong’s mainstream media expand their networks overseas and tell good stories about the city.

The South China Morning Post previously reported that the initiative would assist local media organisations, including Chinese- and English-language outlets, in reaching audiences beyond Hong Kong for a second consecutive year. The industry could provide media services in countries participating in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.