 |
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| Congratulations to the new FCC Board of Governors for 2026-2027. They will begin serving after the Annual General Meeting on 28 May 2026. |
| We would like to thank the outgoing Board members for their service. |
| One of the candidates for Correspondent Governor, Connor Mycroft, withdrew from the election on 20 May 2026 so a by-election will need to be held in the new board year to fill in the vacant eighth Correspondent Governor position. |
| The new Board members are listed below. |
| PRESIDENT Morgan DAVIS |
| FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Jing YANG |
| SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Christopher SLAUGHTER |
| CORRESPONDENT GOVERNORS Jennifer JETT Karen KOH Dean NAPOLITANO Peter PARKS Paul TAIT Laura WESTBROOK William ZHENG |
| JOURNALIST GOVERNORS Zela CHIN Joe PAN |
| ASSOCIATE GOVERNORS FU Ka Min, Tom Alan Forbes MACDONALD Lynne MULHOLLAND Stephen VICKERS |
| FCC Election Committee 21 May 2026 |
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Statement on Results of FCC Press Freedom Survey 2025-2026
Between February and March, the FCC Press Freedom Committee surveyed Correspondent and Journalist members in an annual exercise to understand how the sentiment and perception of the local environment has changed for the Club’s media professionals.
The survey received 78 anonymous responses, representing a 27% response rate, compared to 21% last year.
67% of respondents said the working environment for them as a journalist had changed for the worse in the last 12 months, and more than 50% said sources had become less willing to be quoted during the same period.
65% of respondents said they have a clear sense of what subjects are sensitive, compared to 78% last year. 37% percent of them said they had not at all encountered censorship in their news organizations, with 28% experiencing “slight” censorship and 15% “considerably.”
33% of respondents said their organizations have downsized in Hong Kong, with 33% of them citing both the changing political and legal environment as well as corporate cost-cutting as the reason. 17% of them said their organizations have increased staffing in the city over the past year, with 40% of them citing both the growing importance of Hong Kong and more investment from the parent company as the reason.
The FCC supports journalists’ fundamental right to conduct their work freely and without fear of intimidation or harassment.
We will continue to safeguard press freedom in the city, via engagement with the journalism community and relevant stakeholders, in order to make sure that Hong Kong remains an international hub for media, business and finance.
Read the full results of the survey in the latest edition of the club’s magazine, The Correspondent.
FCC Statement on World Press Freedom Day 2026 (Sunday, May 3, 2026)
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2026, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club Hong Kong stands in solidarity with journalists and media professionals worldwide, and supports their efforts to continue their work without interference and physical or online violence.
Globally, the state of press freedom is deteriorating. Economic pressures on media outlets, ownership concentration, and the increasing use of AI threatens jobs and creates misinformation and audience distrust among other factors, leading to worsening working conditions for journalists.
Recent figures from Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists show that press freedom is still being undermined by lethal violence and widespread detention of journalists around the world.
In addition, government censorship through actions such as management control of media outlets, blocking of the internet, restricting journalist visas or freedom to travel, and using legal means to silence critics is on the rise.
Independent journalism is essential to truth, accountability, and informed public life, and it must be protected wherever it is under pressure. Journalism is not a crime.
Nominees for the Election of the Board of Governors 2026-2027
Dear Members,
Here are the nominations for the FCC Board of Governors 2026-2027. 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 Thursday, 21 May 2026. | ||
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CANDIDATES |
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| PRESIDENT (The position of President can be voted by Correspondent members only) (Vote for not more than one) |
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| 1. Morgan DAVIS – IFR Asia | ||
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FIRST VICE PRESIDENT |
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| 2. Jing YANG– The Information | ||
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SECOND VICE PRESIDENT |
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| 3. Christopher SLAUGHTER – Ara Productions | ||
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CORRESPONDENT MEMBER GOVERNORS |
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| 4. Jennifer JETT – NBC News | ||
| 5. Karen KOH – Freelance broadcast journalist | ||
| 6. Connor MYCROFT – SCMP | ||
| 7. Dean Napolitano– The New York Times | ||
| 8. Peter PARKS– AFP | ||
| 9. Paul TAIT – AFP | ||
| 10. Laura WESTBROOK– Feature Story News | ||
| 11. William ZHENG – SCMP | ||
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JOURNALIST MEMBER GOVERNORS |
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| 12. Zela CHIN – TVB | ||
| 13. Joe PAN – Blockwind News | Hong Kong Baptist University, International Journalism Programme | ||
| 14. Raveena Raghunath – Sassy Media Group | ||
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ASSOCIATE MEMBER GOVERNORS |
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| 15. Rajesh Buxani – Allied Asia Industrial Ltd | ||
| 16. Chan Nap Kee Joseph – Oriental Patron Financial Group | ||
| 17. Fu Ka Min, Tom – Johnson Stokes & Master | ||
| 18. Alan Forbes MACDONALD – Urbis Limited | ||
| 19. Lynne MULHOLLAND – The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels | ||
| 20. Wolfgang PECK – HSBC | ||
| 21. Juergen SCHUSTER – Schuster Consulting Limited | ||
| 22. Nigel SHARMAN – Chaudhry Solicitors | ||
| 23. Stephen Vickers – Steve Vickers & Associates Ltd. | ||
FCC Nomination for the Board of Governors 2026–2027
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| FCC Nomination for the Board of Governors 2026 – 2027 |
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| Dear Members, |
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| The FCC Annual Nomination Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 8 April 2026 for the purpose of accepting oral nominations for the Board of Governors for the 2026 – 2027 Term. |
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| Under the provisions of the Articles of Association, nominations may also be made in writing. |
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| 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, 8 April 2026. |
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| Nominations are invited for the following positions: |
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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 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. |
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| 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. |
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| A candidate for election to the Board of Governors can accept nomination for only one position on the Board of Governors. |
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| By order of the Board of Governors, |
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| Morgan Davis President |
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Stand Together: How You Can Support the Tai Po Recovery Efforts
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Stand Together: How You Can Support the Tai Po Recovery Efforts
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| As part of the Hong Kong community, our hearts go out to our neighbours in Tai Po during this difficult time. The journey to recovery for the fire victims extends far beyond the initial emergency, and their need for support and stability is ongoing. Your thoughtful contributions through donations are vital in helping them find safety and a lasting home. |
| We recommend that members interested in donating do so through the following channels: |
| The Hong Kong Council of Social Services has been working on emergency support mechanism, mobilizing resources and expertise from the social service sector and other partners to provide comprehensive assistance to affected individuals and families. As material supplies at the frontline are temporarily sufficient, they are now focusing on coordinating support in the mid-to-later stages to ensure that all resources are utilised effectively. To make a donation, please click here. |
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| Charity Operation Santa Claus, which is jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK, has launched an emergency appeal, partnering with Hong Kong NGOs to distribute funds for disaster relief and community support. To make a donation, please click here. |
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| Three of the FCC’s designated partner charities are also providing valuable on-the-ground assistance: |
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| ImpactHK is offering emergency accommodation for those in need. To make a donation, please click here. |
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| Enrich’s Giving Tuesday campaign will support the Tai Po community, especially migrant domestic workers impacted by the Tai Po fire. This appeal will provide immediate, practical relief, from emergency essentials to referrals for longer-term support. To make a donation, please click here. |
| The Amber Foundation is collecting unused toiletries, which they will distribute through trusted frontline partners supporting affected residents. FCCHK is one of the collection points. Members can drop off the materials at the station next to our Concierge. |
| In addition to our charity partners, there are numerous other trusted organizations and channels offering assistance. Every donation, regardless of size, has a meaningful impact on those affected. |
| *Please check updated lists from the NGOs and only provide financial assistance through the official NGO websites and trusted channels. |
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團結同行：您可如何支持大埔社區的復原工作
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| 敬啓者: |
| 在這段艱難的時期，作為香港社會的一員，我們與大埔攜手同行。社區的復原與療癒之路遠超過初期的緊急救援，受災及受影響的人士對支持與穩定的需求仍然持續存在。透過捐贈所作出的關懷貢獻，即使力量微小，對幫助他們重建家園至關重要。 |
| 我們建議有意捐款的會員通過以下渠道進行捐贈： |
| 香港社會服務聯會 已在災難發生後即時啟動應急機制，動員社會服務界及其他合作夥伴的資源和專業知識，為受影響的個人和家庭提供全方位援助。由於前線物資目前已達飽和，他們現正專注於支援災後中後期的協調工作，以確保資源妥善運用。如欲捐款，請點擊此處。 |
| 由《南華早報》及香港電台創辦的慈善平台「Operation Santa Claus Drive 愛心聖誕大行動」已發出緊急呼籲，並與多個香港非牟利機構合作，分發資金以支援災後救援及社區支援工作。如欲捐款，請點擊連結。 |
| 香港外國記者會的三個夥伴慈善機構亦提供社區支援： |
| 同路舍正為有需要的人士提供緊急住宿。若要捐款，請點擊這裡。 |
| 鏞滙學院的「Giving Tuesday」籌款活動將支援大埔社區，特別是受火災影響的外籍家庭傭工。此呼籲將提供即時且實際的援助，從緊急必需品到長期支援的轉介服務。若要捐款，請點擊這裡。 |
| The Amber Foundation 正在收集未使用的洗漱用品，這些物資將透過可信賴的前線合作夥伴分發給受影響的居民。香港外國記者會是其中一個收集點。會員可將物資放置於禮賓部旁的收集站。 |
| 除了我們的慈善合作夥伴外，還有許多其他可信賴的組織機構和渠道提供援助。每一份捐贈，不論大小，對受影響者都有深遠的意義。 |
| *請查閱非政府組織的最新名單，並僅通過官方非政府組織網站及可信渠道提供財務援助。 |
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President’s Letter: The Tai Po Fire
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President’s Letter: The Tai Po Fire
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| Dear Fellow Members, |
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| By now you will have heard about the terrible fire in Tai Po that has so far claimed the lives of more than 55 people, with 279 missing and 900 in shelters. On behalf of the members and staff, we extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who have been lost, our hopes and prayers for those who are fighting for their lives, and our compassion for the many who have been displaced. |
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| The Board of Governors has been monitoring the humanitarian aspects of this tragedy to identify ways the FCC community can assist the 4,600 residents of the Wang Fuk Court community, and assist and support the courageous firefighters and first responders. Donation needs have changed throughout the day and before noon collection centres were turning away further donations as their immediate emergency needs had been met. There will no doubt be ongoing needs due to the large number of residents who have been displaced. We recommend that members interested in donating do so through the following channels: |
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| To donate needed supplies The Hong Kong Council of Social Services will be informing the public about the evolving needs for clothing, bedding, toiletries, etc. Please click the link for their latest update. |
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| To donate money Charity Operation Santa Claus, which is jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK, has launched an emergency appeal, partnering with Hong Kong NGOs to distribute funds for disaster relief and community support. To make a donation, please click the link here. |
| As many begin their festive season celebrations with Thanksgiving Dinner this evening, we ask that everyone in the FCC community remember those who have suffered through this tragedy. |
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| Finally, our thoughts are with the journalists who have been covering this terrible tragedy, which is no doubt taking an emotional toll on them. We welcome international journalists who may be traveling to the city to cover the story to use the FCC as an office away from home. |
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| Best Regards, |
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| Morgan M. Davis President |
| [email protected] |
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| 主席信函: 大埔火災事故 |
| 敬啓者: |
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大埔近日發生了嚴重的火災事故，截至目前已有超過55人罹難，279人失蹤，900人被安置在臨時庇護中心。 |
| 謹代表全體會員及員工，向逝者家屬致以最深切的哀悼，向仍在與死神搏鬥的生命送上希望與祝福，並對突然失去家園的居民表達誠摯的關懷與慰問。 |
| 理事會一直關注這場悲劇的人道救援工作，致力尋找方法讓香港外國記者會社群協助宏福苑的4,600名居民，並支援英勇的消防員及前線救援人員。捐贈需求隨時間不斷變化，且截至中午，因緊急需求已達飽和，收集中心已開始停止接受更多捐贈。 |
| 受災人士需要長期支援，未來無疑會有持續的需求。我們建議有意捐款的會員通過以下渠道進行捐贈： |
| 捐贈所需物資 |
| 香港社會服務聯會將持續公佈有關衣物、寢具、洗漱用品等需求的最新變化。請點擊連結查看他們的最新消息。 |
| 捐款 |
| 由《南華早報》及香港電台創辦的慈善平台「Operation Santa Claus Drive 愛心聖誕大行動」已發出緊急呼籲，並與多個香港非牟利機構合作，分發資金以支援災難救援及社區支援工作。如欲捐款，請點擊連結。 |
| 隨著許多人開始慶祝感恩節晚餐，我們請香港外國記者會社群的每一位成員銘記在這場悲劇中受苦的人士。 |
| 最後，我們的心與大埔社區及報導這場悲慘事件的記者同在。我們歡迎可能來港採訪此事件的國際記者，使用香港外國記者會作為家外的工作空間。 |
| 此致 各位會員 |
| Morgan M. Davis 香港外國記者會主席 謹上 |
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The Foreign Correspondents’ Club Awards Clare Hollingworth Fellowships 2025
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| The Foreign Correspondents’ Club Awards Clare Hollingworth Fellowships |
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| FELLOWS |
| Trista Xinyi Luo |
| Trista Xinyi Luo is a reporter at Bloomberg News, where she covers the debt capital markets and the evolving financial landscape in Greater China. She relocated to Hong Kong from New York in 2023 with Bloomberg. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri. |
| Samra Zulfaqar |
| Samra Zulfaqar joined CNN as a freelance News Editorial Researcher and Planning Producer following her internship covering political and social issues across East and Southeast Asia. Before that Samra has interned at NBC News, primarily contributing to the Israel-Gaza War live blogs. She recently graduated from The University of Hong Kong with a degree in Journalism and International Relations. Outside of work, Samra enjoys doing yoga and hiking. |
| The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is pleased to announce that it has chosen Trista Xinyi Luo and Samra Zulfaqar as recipients of the seventh annual Clare Hollingworth Fellowship, named in honor of the preeminent and path-breaking journalist. |
| The panel of judges noted the winners offer clear potential as future leaders both within the FCC and in the wider Hong Kong journalism community. |
| The Fellowship is focused on early-career journalists and current journalism school students in Hong Kong. |
| The open competition drew significant interest from a cross spectrum of applicants. The adjudicators noted the high standard of applicants and encouraged all to apply again next year. |
| For further information on the Clare Hollingworth Fellowship, please visit: https://www.fcchk.org/fcc-clare-hollingworth-fellowship-2025-2026-applications-open/ |
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Letter from the President
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| Dear Members, |
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| This may sound like a curious question coming from the President of a press club, but recently I’ve found myself wondering, what is a journalist? For the sake of our Club’s membership, the answer is fairly simple. We look for the majority of a Member’s income to come from journalistic activity, and then where that work is published. Looking up “journalist” in a dictionary will find something along the lines of “a person who writes for newspapers, magazines, news websites or prepares news to be broadcast”. |
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| It feels like it should be simple enough to define the role of a journalist but, as we have found throughout history, people, particularly those in positions of authority, will produce rather nebulous definitions of journalism. If we look to the United States, the current administration has embraced what they call “new media”, which includes a pool of clearly partisan publications and people many of us would opt to call “influencers”. |
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| But the presence or lack of objectivity cannot help us define a journalist. As much as the media tries to produce news that is “unbiased” and “objective”, the reality is that objectivity is a relatively new phenomenon in journalism. Historically, publications have taken sides. What most of us as journalists now try to achieve is something that is as critical and objective as possible. This generally relies on what we hope is a media literate consumer who will read and watch news produced by multiple platforms. It also relies on the ability of multiple publications, staffed by diverse journalists, to produce news. |
| This diversity is often stifled, both intentionally and unintentionally. The latter is something that we, as an industry, need to more consciously address. The former is a bit more clear cut. While I can’t argue with the need to redefine journalism in the 21st century, the “new media” pool in The White House seems to clearly lack diverse thought. Likewise, when we look at the media situation in Gaza, we see foreign media shut out. That creates a reliance on local journalists who can both more readily be accused of bias by outsiders, and a stifling of information that international journalists may be able to report and share with their home consumers. |
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| What concerns me, as a member of the press and the President of the FCC, is how we identify and react to bias. Media-literate consumers should be able to look to multiple news sources to recognise bias in a way that makes them more critical and knowledgeable. But too often perceived, or real, bias is weaponised. It becomes an excuse, by all sides, to crush voices of opposition. What we are seeing in places like Nepal and Gaza is violent, intentional repression of the media. |
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| We may differ slightly in our definitions of a journalist, but in my position, I will continue to stand for the right of all journalists to work without fear of repercussions. Journalists are civilians, and journalism is not a crime. |
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| Best Regards, |
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| Morgan M. Davis President |
| [email protected] |
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FCC Clare Hollingworth Fellowship 2025 – 2026 – Applications Open
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| FCC Clare Hollingworth Fellowship – Applications Open |
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| The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is accepting applications for the Clare Hollingworth Fellowship, named after the preeminent and path-breaking journalist. |
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| Ms. Hollingworth had a remarkable career as a foreign correspondent with the scoop of the century as a 27-year-old when she reported on Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939. Ms. Hollingworth was also a treasured member of the FCC for more than 40 years who made significant contributions to the intellectual and professional life of the FCC. |
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| The Hollingworth Fellowship honours early career journalists and current journalism school students in Hong Kong. Journalists and journalism students from all fields of professional study are eligible. Applications close on October 13, 2025. The fellowship will run for one calendar November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2026. |
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Overview of key features of the fellowship:
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| For details on past fellows, please see below: |
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Fellows Requirements and Expectations
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| Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet all of the following criteria to apply:
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| Application Process and Material
Applications must be submitted in English by October 13, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Only chosen candidates will be notified by writing. All files must be submitted in either PDF or MS Word format to [email protected] with the subject line
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