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Joint statement on Shanwei authorities’ unwarranted accusations against Hong Kong media

After Lin Zuluan, the Communist Party secretary and village committee chief of Wukan village, was taken away by local authorities, and villagers decided to protest and petition against this action, large numbers of Hong Kong news organisations sent journalists for on-site reporting. But the propaganda authorities at the Shanwei City People’s Government have issued extremely serious accusations, saying Hong Kong journalist have engaged in ‘instigation, plotting and directing’ of events. The authorities have also threatened to ‘take measures according to law’. We express shock over these accusations. We believe this is a way for the authorities to use a legal pretext for clearing the protest. This seriously harms press freedom and the public’s right to know.

The Shanwei authorities have issued what we believe are unwarranted accusations. The objects of their accusations are unclear. They have named ‘the Apple Daily newspaper, Initium Media, etc’. But what are the other organisations that have been included? What does the ‘etc’ refer to? The safety of journalists is already in question. At the moment, large numbers of journalists have left the village. We believe the accusations have had the intended effect of clearing the village of journalists.

When Hong Kong journalists have reported on these kinds of local incidents in the past, we have never heard of Hong Kong journalists engaging in ‘instigation, plotting and directing’ of events. Instead, when Hong Kong media report the truth, it has often helped the central authorities to investigate officials who hide the truth. This time, the serious accusations made by the Shanwei authorities is a sign that press freedom in mainland China has suffered a serious setback.

We must point that the news in Wukan village has many elements of interest to general readers and audiences, including: a ‘hero’ figure resisting authority, accusations of bribery and large-scale petitions. When Hong Kong media sends reporters to cover the story, there is no other motive. Not only is there is no ‘instigation, plotting and directing’ of events, there is no financial benefit. When mainland authorities make these serious accusations, it limits media freedom. It demonstrates that mainland officials do not understand the goals of Hong Kong media. Their actions harm the freedom of journalists to report, as well as the public’s right to know.

We solemnly demand that Shanwei authorities face up to the problems outlined above, to make legal and reasonable adjustments and to immediately stop interfering with the lawful reporting activities of journalists.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Journalists Association

The Independent Commentators Association

 

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

May 26, 2016 Board minutes

May 21, 2016 Board minutes

May 21, 2015 Annual General Meeting minutes

April 2016

April 5, 2016 Town Hall Meeting

March 2016

FCC Announcement on Membership Fees

Dear Members,

Please note that at the meeting of the FCC Board of Governors held April 16, the Board resolved by majority decisions to:

Increase the monthly membership subscription fee by $150 per month, to $1,100 from $950. The increases will take effect from July 1.

Proceed with the drafting of a proposed amendment to Article 7 that will allow future Boards to consider whether or not attaching a fee to the spouse membership privilege is appropriate. (Any such amendment would require at least 75% support at a general meeting).

To continue to develop and investigate other options available, including a minimum spending requirement, as reflected in the opinions of the membership at the Town Hall meeting.

To publish the minutes of the Board discussion of the issue on the club’s website earlier than usual, ideally within seven days of this notice, in recognition of the wide membership interest in the matter.

FCC Administration Office
April 18, 2016

Request for bids for: Editor The Correspondent (Tender closed)

This is a unique position that involves editing The Correspondent – our club magazine, which is currently published every second month.

Contract period: One year from contract signing.
Contract termination: Two months notice or otherwise as agreed between both parties.
Deadline for bid: Friday 5 August 2016
Please note: It is expected that the contract will start 1 September 2016

1. Editorial:

The Correspondent Editor will be responsible for The Correspondent, the print magazine of the FCC, one of the world’s leading and most prestigious press clubs.

Editor, The Correspondent is responsible for:

  • producing new content for The Correspondent and writing it in an interesting and appealing manner;
  • creating schedules and agreeing deadlines;
  • planning, generating, commissioning, coordinating freelance writers and editing articles for The Correspondent;
  • sourcing images and artwork, and commissioning photographers;
  • liaising with clients or internal departments; and
  • liaising with the Digital, Online and Social Media Editor to source the best of the online content for inclusion in The Correspondent.

 

All of the above will be done in consultation with the Communications Committee, which retains all control over the editorial content, and within the editorial budget as outlined by the Committee.

Editor, The Correspondent will lead an editorial team with additional support from FCC administration. You will work closely with a range of individuals, from web designers/developers and project/account managers to photographers and marketing professionals. It is essential that you understand FCC’s target audience and requirements.

It is important to be interested in:

  • Producing high-quality print media reflecting the values and traditions of the FCC; and
  • The place of The Correspondent as part of the FCC’s total communications offering.

 

2. Advertising

Advertising sales is not required. Production of advertisements and in-house advertisements is to be dealt with by production house.

3. Design and layout, production

The production house is responsible for all aspects of production to meet agreed deadlines.

4. Printing

The production house is responsible for all aspects of printing. Payment to be dealt with directly by invoice from the printer to the club.

The Correspondent bi-monthly magazine specifications (subject to revision)

Size: 210mm x 285mm, 40 pages including cover
Stock: Cover: 4pp, 128gsm Matt art paper
Colour: 4C + 4C
Binding: Two saddle stitched.
Delivery: Local delivery
Quantity: 2,300 pieces

5. Mailing

The production house is responsible for coordinating mailing: printing plastic envelopes, stuffing envelopes and bundling, collecting labels, delivery to GPO and FCC.

6. Confirmation that any and all additional costs must have prior approval from the FCC through the Communications Committee.

7. Confirmation that the FCC through the Communications Committee retains final approval for all content for publication.

8. Confirmation that the successful applicant’s services are peripheral to the Club’s operation and are not integrated into it.

9. Confirmation that the FCC holds all copyright.

10. Hiring helpers to fulfill the job requirement is entirely up to the successful applicant’s decision at his/her own costs.

11. Payment will be released upon submission of invoice by original copy.

Any questions should be addressed to the Communications Committee or the General Manager Gilbert Cheng.

Please acknowledge receipt of this invitation to the FCC and confirm that you will be bidding. Interested parties will be required to submit a copy of your business registration together with your bid before the deadline.

The bid shall be submitted to:
FCC
North Block
2 Lower Albert Road
Central HK

or email [email protected] stating the position applied for in the subject line.

The Communications Committee

June 22, 2016

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