Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivers a speech before media representatives at a cocktail reception to mark the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Grant Hyatt Hotel on Sept 22, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Thursday told media they should tell Hong Kong stories well and proactively to audiences from all four corners of the world.
Speaking to a roomful of media representatives at a cocktail reception to mark the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Lee said the success stories of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are not only a record of the achievements the city has made over the years, but can also encourage and motivate the next generation to forge ahead and create greater opportunities for development in the city.
The responsibility of journalists is to bring objective and fair reports to the public, Lee said, and all residents including journalists are equal before the law. Thus, they need to act in accordance with the law
“Thus, we should tell the stories of Hong Kong and the successful practice of ‘one country, two systems’, as well as the rapid development of the country, well and in a proactive manner. These are stories that make people proud,” Lee said.
He added that freedoms of speech and of the press in Hong Kong are guaranteed by the Basic Law, a fact which is recognized around the world. The responsibility of journalists is to bring objective and fair reports to the public, Lee said, and all residents including journalists are equal before the law. Thus, they need to act in accordance with the law.
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Lee also warned against illegal activities disguised as journalistic activities and called on the media sector to stay away from those who intend to sabotage press freedom by pretending to be media.
Also making a speech at the event, Li Dahong, Chairman of the executive committee of the Hong Kong Media Preparatory Committee for the Celebration of National Day and chairman and editor-in-chief of Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, said media practitioners should always bear in mind the interests of the country and be attentive to developments presented in the nation’s blueprints, such as the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan and development plans for the Greater Bay Area.
Media representatives should also focus more on the development of youngsters and provide opportunities and platforms for them, and reach out to them in ways they understand so that they can seize the opportunities available, Li added.
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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivers a speech before media representatives at a cocktail reception to mark the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Grant Hyatt Hotel on Sept 22, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)