Members Area Logout

FCC Statement on Closure of Voice of Democracy in Cambodia

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is deeply troubled by the forced closure of Cambodia’s leading independent media outlet, Voice of Democracy.

Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered VOD’s licence revoked, effective Monday, over what he said was an erroneous report about his eldest son. The prime minister had demanded an apology from VOD, but refused to reconsider the revocation even after the outlet later complied.

The sudden and arbitrary closure is a devastating attack on the country’s free press and is yet another example of the increasing restrictions on press freedom in Cambodia, coming after years of harassment and intimidation of journalists, independent media outlets, and civil society groups.

The FCC notes that the closure of VOD will have far-reaching implications for Cambodia’s already fragile democracy. As the country prepares for a general election in July 2023, Cambodian citizens need access to truthful and unbiased information to help inform their choices. The right to free and independent press is essential to the functioning of any democratic society and the FCC urges the Cambodian government to respect this fundamental right.

The FCC stands in solidarity with VOD and other independent news outlets in Cambodia, and supports all journalists’ right to cover stories without fear of harassment or arrest.

FCC Statement on July 1 Media Restrictions

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is deeply concerned by reports that some media outlets have been restricted from covering official events around the inauguration of Chief Executive-designate John Lee and the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China.

At least 10 journalists working for local and international publications had their applications to cover the events rejected for “security reasons,” with no further information provided, according to media reports and comments from our members.

This follows reports that several local and international outlets were not given the chance to apply for accreditation for the events in the first place.

In the past, similar official events were open to media registration without invitation or vetting.

The 25th anniversary of the handover, the inauguration of a new chief executive and the possible visit of a state leader together comprise a seminal event in the history of Hong Kong, and a moment deserving of widespread coverage in the international and local media.

Hong Kong’s government has repeatedly told the public that Hong Kong’s right to press freedom and free speech – enshrined in the city’s Basic Law – still exists.

The FCCHK views these restrictions – enforced without detailed explanation – as a serious deviation from that stated commitment to press freedom.

The FCCHK urges the government to immediately reconsider the restrictions to allow all outlets to cover this significant story.

FCC Statement on Media Access

    
 
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong (FCC) is concerned that several media outlets were barred by the Hong Kong government from covering a National Security Education Day event on Saturday 15 April, 2023.
 
Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP), a government-registered media outlet, reports that it was rejected from attending a ceremony at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, along with several other outlets and a wire service.
 
This follows last year’s decision by the government to bar some local and international media, including Hong Kong Free Press, from attending the swearing-in ceremony of Mr John Lee Ka-chiu as the Chief Executive of the HKSAR.
 
Media outlets being barred from covering public events raises concerns over the future of press freedom in Hong Kong, which is guaranteed under Article 27 of the Basic Law.
 
The FCC also notes that the event in April was held with the aim of enhancing the public’s understanding of the importance of national security to Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. The barring of certain registered media outlets is further perplexing given the stated objectives of the events of that day, as well as the guarantee of freedom of the press under Article 4 of the National Security Law (NSL).
 
The FCC has contacted the Hong Kong Information Services Department (ISD) to ask them to explain why journalists are being denied access to certain events featuring high-ranking government officials. To facilitate dialogue, the FCC has requested a meeting with the ISD to discuss media access to future government-sponsored events.
 
The FCC welcomes the Ombudsman’s decision on 2 May 2023 to investigate HKFP’s complaint against the ISD and urges that a full report be published outlining the Ombudsman’s findings.
 

FCC Board of Governors 2023-2024 Election Results

    
 
Congratulations to the new FCC Board of Governors for 2023-2024. They will begin serving after the Annual General Meeting on May 29.
 
We would like to thank the outgoing Board members for their service.
 
The new Board members are listed below.
 
PRESIDENT
Lee WILLIAMSON
 
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Jennifer JETT
 
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Tim HUXLEY
 
CORRESPONDENT GOVERNORS
Karly COX
Morgan DAVIS
Danai HOWARD
Karen KOH
Kari Soo LINDBERG
Kristie LU STOUT
Peter PARKS
 
JOURNALIST GOVERNORS
Zela CHIN
Joe PAN
 
ASSOCIATE GOVERNORS
Genavieve ALEXANDER
LIU Kin-ming
Lynne MULHOLLAND
Christopher SLAUGHTER
 
23 May 2023
 
 

FCC Election and Annual General Meeting Reminders

    
 
Dear FCC Members,
 
Please remember to vote in the upcoming election for the Board of Governors. Polling closes on Tuesday May 23 at 3 p.m. A ballot has been sent to the address you have listed. If your address has changed – if, for instance, you are working from home and your ballot is usually sent to your work address – please let the office know at [email protected].
 
Ballots can be returned to the FCC via mail, courier or in person. If you are having trouble returning your ballot please let the front office know.
 
There are competitive races in all governor categories, so your vote is important. You can review the Board of Governors’ ballot and policy statements on the FCC website.
 
It’s also important to return your proxy voting form if you will be unable to attend the club’s annual general meeting, to be held on Monday May 29 at 6 p.m. The proxy form allows you to designate the chair of the AGM to vote on your behalf or to designate a member attending the AGM to vote in your place.
 
Thank you and remember to vote and turn in your proxies by 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
 
Click here to download the AGM Notice
Click here to download the Explanatory Note
Click here to download the Proxy Form
 
May 18, 2023
 

Temporary Suspension of FCC Website from Friday May 12 at 7pm

Press Freedom Survey 2023

Press Freedom Survey 2023
      
Dear Correspondent/Journalist members,
To mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the FCC press freedom committee is launching the second survey of its Journalist and Correspondent members for their thoughts on whether and how the environment for press freedom is changing in Hong Kong. We would really appreciate you sharing your experiences in this anonymous survey, which should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.
A link to the survey has been emailed to all Correspondent and Journalist members today. Printed versions of this survey are available at the Club’s front desk.
The survey will be open until midnight on Friday May 19.
Many thanks in advance for your time, 
The press freedom committee

Welcome to our Acting General Manager Carmen

 

Welcome to our Acting General Manager Carmen
      
Dear Members,
I’m writing today to congratulate Carmen Chan on her new promotion to Acting General Manager!
Carmen has worked with The FCC for the past 5 years as our Club Operations Manager where she has demonstrated her dedication to the Club. Now, she will apply her skills further as our Acting General Manager after Didier’s departure at the end of May.
Carmen has many achievements over the course of her career with the Club, including organising special events, building stronger participation with diplomatic Consulates, and setting up processes and guideline for the Club and the staff.
In her new role, Carmen will continue to apply her expertise and dedication. I wish her the best as she begins her new chapter with The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong on 1 May 2023.
Please join me in wishing Carmen the best of luck and welcoming her into her new role.
Best,
Keith
21 April 2023

Nominees for the Election of the Board of Governors 2023-2024

Dear Members,

Here are the nominations for the FCC Board of Governors 2023-2024. Below are links to each nominee’s bio and policy statement. Please read them before voting.

Notes:    
  a. Please indicate your vote by putting a “✓” in the appropriate bracket. Any mark other than a “✓” shall invalidate this Ballot paper.  
  b. If vote(s) casted exceed(s) the number allowed in respective capacity, this Ballot paper shall be invalid.  
  c. Bio & policy statements of the candidates are available at the FCC website <www.fcchk.org>.  
  d. The completed Ballot paper must be received by the Club, either by mail or in the Ballot box, not later than 3pm on Tuesday, 23 May 2023.  
     

CANDIDATES
PRESIDENT
(The position of President can be voted by Correspondent members only)
(Vote for not more than one)
1. Lee WILLIAMSON – Tatler Asia
     

FIRST-VICE PRESIDENT
(The position of First Vice President can be voted by Correspondent members only)
(Vote for not more than one)
2. Jennifer JETT – Asia Digital Editor, NBC News
     

SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT
(The position of Second Vice President can be voted by Correspondent, Journalist or Associate members)
(Vote for not more than one)
3. Tim HUXLEY – Mandarin Shipping
     

CORRESPONDENT MEMBER GOVERNORS
(The position of Correspondent Governor can be voted by Correspondent members only)
(Vote for not more than eight)
4. Karly COX – Tatler Asia
5. Morgan DAVIS – IFR
6. Danai HOWARD – AFP
7. Karen KOH – Freelance broadcast journalist
8. Kari Soo LINDBERG – Bloomberg News
9. Kristie LU STOUT – CNN International
10. Peter PARKS – AFP
     

JOURNALIST MEMBER GOVERNORS
(The position of Journalist Governor can be voted by Correspondent or Journalist members)
(Vote for not more than two)
11. Aaron BUSCH – @tripperhead
12. Zela CHIN – TVB
13. Joe PAN – NFTMetta News
14. William ZHENG – The South China Morning Post
     

ASSOCIATE MEMBER GOVERNORS
(The position of Associate Governor can be voted by Correspondent, Journalist or Associate members)
(Vote for not more than four)
15. Genavieve ALEXANDER – Genavieve Co. Ltd
16. LIU Kin-ming – KM & Associates
17. Lynne MULHOLLAND – The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels
18. Christopher SLAUGHTER – AIA Group

Farewell to our General Manager Didier

 

Farewell to our General Manager Didier
      
Dear Members,
By now you may have heard the news that our skilled and accomplished General Manager Didier Saugy will be leaving us to take up an exciting new position as Executive Director of the National Press Club in Washington D.C.
Over the last five years, Didier has helped steer the Club through probably the most challenging times in our recent history, including the last three years dominated by ever-changing government pandemic regulations, early closing hours, uncertainty over our building lease and the departure from Hong Kong of so many longtime members, friends and colleagues. Throughout it all, and with his calm and unflappable demeanour, Didier has kept the Club on an even keel.
Since I took over as President in January 2021, I’ve come to know Didier as a partner, confidante and friend. I want to extend to Didier my personal thanks and best wishes for his new adventure in my old stomping grounds, Washington D.C. Our loss is the National Press Club’s gain.
Didier will be with us through the end of May and our Annual General Meeting. The Board at the upcoming Saturday meeting will be naming a current member of Didier’s executive management team as interim club manager while a designated search committee conducts a search for a new general manager. The next Board to take office in May after the AGM will be responsible for confirming the new general manager. We want to ensure you there will be a seamless transition. You should not notice any disruption to Club activities.
In the meantime, let’s raise a glass to Didier in thanks for helping get the Club through these tough times. And let’s wish him and his family the best as he leaves behind the Lion Rock for the wonders of Rock Creek Park.
Excelsior!
Keith

FCC Nomination for the Board of Governors 2023–2024

FCC Nomination for the Board of Governors
2023 – 2024
      
Dear Members,
The FCC Annual Nomination Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 12 April 2023 for the purpose of accepting oral nominations for the Board of Governors for the 2023 – 2024 Term.
Under the provisions of the Articles of Association, nominations may also be made in writing.
For those who wish to make a written nomination or nominations, please use the form(s) we are sending to you by mail or you can ask from the office. The written nominations should be delivered to the Club office, either in person or by registered letter, no later than 6pm on Wednesday, 12 April 2023.
Nominations are invited for the following positions:

A President who shall be a Correspondent Member. The nomination must be made and seconded by Correspondent Members.

A First Vice-President who shall be a Correspondent Member. The nomination must be made and seconded by Correspondent Members.

A Second Vice-President who may be a Journalist Member or an Associate Member. The nominations may be made and seconded by Correspondent Members, Journalist Members or Associate Members.

Eight (8) Correspondent Member Governors who shall be Correspondent Members. The nominations must be made and seconded by Correspondent Members.

Two (2) Journalist Member Governors who shall be Journalist Members. The nominations may be made and seconded by Correspondent Members or Journalist Members.

Four (4) Associate Member Governors who shall be Associate Members. The nominations may be made and seconded by any Voting Member.
A Member being nominated does not mean that he or she is elected a Club Officer. An election by mail ballot will be held subsequently and the mail ballot papers together with a list of candidates accepted will be sent to all Members of the Club one week after the Nomination Meeting.
A candidate for election to the Board of Governors can accept nomination for only one position on the Board of Governors.
By order of the Board of Governors,
Keith Richburg
President

Temporary Suspension of Club Service on Monday March 13 from 9am to 9:30am

We measure site performance with cookies to improve performance.