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Inland Revenue Department’s response to the FCC enquiry on tax audits of Hong Kong independent media

Following the FCC’s May 23 statement on multiple tax audits of independent media organisations, the club made enquiries to Hong Kong’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD). Below is IRD’s reply in full.

To protect tax revenue, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has established procedures to review the information provided by taxpayers and to verify the amount of tax payable. If there is any information showing that any person may have breached the provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (IRO), the IRD will follow up the case in accordance with the IRO. The industry or background of a taxpayer has no bearing on such reviews.

Owing to the secrecy provision of Section 4 of the IRO, the IRD is precluded from disclosing information of individual cases to unauthorised persons and will not comment on any case.

FCC statement on multiple tax audits of independent media organisations

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is concerned by reports of multiple independent media outlets facing simultaneous tax audits and backdated demands from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

At a press conference on May 21, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) said it had evidence that at least six news outlets—Boomhead, Hong Kong Free Press, InMedia, ReNews, The Witness and another outlet that wished to remain anonymous—had recently been subject to additional scrutiny of their tax affairs after being “randomly selected” for an audit.

In addition, 20 people linked to Hong Kong independent media are facing similar tax inspections, according to HKJA. In a statement, Hong Kong Free Press said that the scrutiny “has diverted resources, manpower and funds away from journalism”.

The FCC, whilst understanding the need for targeted tax audits, has reached out to IRD to ask why so many independent media organisations were selected simultaneously for random audits. The FCC has asked that IRD consider enhancing its transparency because we believe that an explanation as to why these investigations have occurred simultaneously is a necessary improvement to the system. In our view, a reasonable and timely explanation by IRD would positively impact the international perception of Hong Kong as a business centre and its commitment to press freedom, which is guaranteed in the Basic Law.

FCC Board of Governors 2025-2026 Election Results

    
 
Congratulations to the new FCC Board of Governors for 2025-2026. They will begin serving after the Annual General Meeting on 29 May 2025.
 
We would like to thank the outgoing Board members for their service.
 
The new Board members are listed below. Please note that this is an updated announcement, after the tied vote for the Correspondent Governor position was resolved on 23 May 2025. 
 
PRESIDENT
Morgan DAVIS
 
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Karen KOH
 
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Tim HUXLEY
 
CORRESPONDENT GOVERNORS
Jennifer JETT
Kristie LU STOUT
Peter PARKS
Paul TAIT
Laura WESTBROOK
Lee WILLIAMSON
Jing YANG
William ZHENG 
(There was a tied vote for the 8th Correspondent Governor position. One of candidates has decided to withdraw.)
 
JOURNALIST GOVERNORS
Zela CHIN
Joe PAN
 
ASSOCIATE GOVERNORS
LIU Kin-ming
Lynne MULHOLLAND
Christopher SLAUGHTER
Barbara YU LARSSON
 
FCC Election Committee
23 May 2025 
 

Restricted Lunch Service on Monday May 12th 

Restricted Lunch Service on Monday May 12th
      
Dear Members,
Due to unprecedented demand for the Club Lunch with David Webb, this event is now being extended via simulcast to Bert’s and the Main Lounge/Bar.  

This means extremely limited seating for regular diners who do not wish to watch and hear the screening. There are still a few seats available in The Bunker for such diners and the full Main Bar/Lounge menu will be on offer, but no specials or chalkboard items will be available. Staff will begin setting for lunch at 11:30am.

We thank members for their understanding as this very special and never to be repeated Club Lunch has expanded to accommodate an unprecedented 240 members and their guests – with some still on a waiting list.

Yours sincerely,
 
David Brightling 
General Manager
 

FCC Statement on World Press Freedom Day

On World Press Freedom Day, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong reaffirms its resolute support of journalists and unwavering commitment to defend press freedom, both in Hong Kong and around the world.

Today, we recognise and celebrate the vital role of the global news media in combating disinformation and keeping societies informed, pushing back against threats to fact-based discourse from AI-generated falsehoods and populist political movements.

We also mourn our colleagues who have lost their lives in the line of duty around the world. Last year was the deadliest year on record since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) began collecting data more than 30 years ago. At least 124 journalists and media workers were killed in 2024, with 85 killed in the Israel-Gaza war alone.

Closer to home, the FCC’s recently published Press Freedom Survey reflects the pressure faced by working journalists in Hong Kong, with 62% of respondents saying that their working environment as a journalist has changed for the worse since we conducted our last survey.

May 3 acts as a reminder for Hong Kong’s government officials to respect their stated commitment to press freedom, which is guaranteed in the city’s Basic Law.

The FCC will continue to support journalists and advocate for press freedom in Hong Kong so that journalists can carry out their work without fear or favour.

“A free press is not a luxury. A free press is at the absolute core of equitable development” — James Wolfensohn, former president of the World Bank.

Notice to Members: Price Increases on Club Food and Beverages 

Notice to members:
Price Increases on Club Food and Beverages 
      
Dear Members,
I’m writing to inform you of an incremental price increase on selected food items and all beverages at the Club that will take effect from tomorrow, May 1. 

All beverage prices across all outlets will increase by 5 percent. Prices will also be adjusted on a quarter of the 292 items on our food menus across all outlets. Price changes will vary from dish to dish, with an average price increase of 5 percent across the affected menu items.

These changes are a response to inflation on food costs and operating expenses since December 2023, which was the last time we increased prices. The decision reflects the ongoing efforts of the Finance Committee and Board of Governors to ensure strong and steady fiscal governance.

The Board, Club committees and Club management considered alternative options, such as reducing the number of menu items or reducing portion sizes, but made the decision to maintain both the current variety of menu items offered in our four outlets as well as the portion sizes that members have come to expect—while being conscious of food waste and sustainability best practices.
In November 2025, the next Board will consider whether to adjust prices on the three-quarters of food items that have not been affected by this price increase.
Popular items will remain on May’s refreshed menu, with low-selling items replaced by 22 new items that have been trialled as specials or monthly promotions. The Club’s executive chef Johnny Ma and his team will continue to experiment with chalkboard specials and promotional menu offerings in the months to come, with popular new dishes considered for the next menu refresh in November. Comment Cards are shared with the House/F&B Committee and the Board, so please do let us know your feedback on the updated offerings.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me via email or find me in the Club.
 
 
Yours faithfully,
Lee Williamson
President
[email protected]

FCC Statement on Results of FCC’s Press Freedom Survey 2025

An anonymous survey of the FCC’s Correspondent and Journalist members reflects the damaged sentiment that many working journalists in Hong Kong are facing.

The results of the survey, the third that the FCC has conducted in the last four years, raise concerns about the working environment that our members and others in the media industry face.

Of the 69 respondents, 43 (62%) said that their working environment as a journalist in Hong Kong had changed for the worse since July 2023, the time of the last press freedom survey. The National Security Law, its related trials, and the perceived exodus of international news organisations were mentioned as reasons for the change.

Respondents also noted that their sources have become more concerned about sharing their own opinions, with 44 (64%) saying that their sources are less willing to be quoted or discuss sensitive subjects.

Journalists are cautious about their own writing as well, with 45 (65%) saying they had self-censored in the last 18 months, and 12 (18%) saying they had self-censored “considerably”.

Ten respondents (16%) reported facing minor interference in their reporting, and one noted significant interference.

The perception of the media environment is also noteworthy, with four people (6%) saying they are “very concerned,” and 36 people (52%) being “slightly concerned” about the possibility of arrest or prosecution over their reporting or opinion articles or work they have edited.

While only one person reported experiencing digital surveillance and two reported physical surveillance, 62 (90%) said they were concerned about digital and physical surveillance.

The FCC supports journalists’ fundamental right to conduct their work freely and without fear of intimidation or harassment.

We will continue our proactive engagement with relevant authorities to safeguard press freedom in the city in order to make sure that Hong Kong remains a thriving hub for journalism and business in the region.

Read the full results of the survey in the latest edition of the club’s magazine, The Correspondent.

Nominees for the Election of the Board of Governors 2025-2026

Dear Members,

Here are the nominations for the FCC Board of Governors 2025-2026. 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, 22 May 2025.  
     

CANDIDATES


PRESIDENT
(The position of President can be voted by Correspondent members only)
(Vote for not more than one)
1. Morgan DAVIS – IFR Asia
     

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
(The position of First Vice President can be voted by Correspondent members only)
(Vote for not more than one)

2. Karen KOH – Freelance broadcast journalist
     

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. Jennifer JETT – NBC News
5. Kristie LU STOUT – CNN International
6. Connor MYCROFT – SCMP
7. Peter PARKS– AFP
8. Paul TAIT – Agence France-Presse
9. Laura WESTBROOK – Feature Story News
10. Lee WILLIAMSON – SCMP
11. Jing YANG – The Information
12. William ZHENG – SCMP
     

JOURNALIST MEMBER GOVERNORS
(The position of Journalist Governor can be voted by Correspondent or Journalist members)
(Vote for not more than two)

13. Zela CHIN – TVB
14. Joe PAN – Blockwind News | Hong Kong Baptist University, International Journalism Programme
     

ASSOCIATE MEMBER GOVERNORS
(The position of Associate Governor can be voted by Correspondent, Journalist or Associate members)
(Vote for not more than four)

15. CHAN Nap Kee Joseph – Oriental Patron Financial Group
16. CHEUNG Neo Ton Francis – Doctoral Exchange Group
17. Simon CONSTANTINIDES – Atrellus Business Services
18. LIU Kin-ming – KM & Associates
19. Alan Forbes MACDONALD – URBIS Limited
20. Lynne MULHOLLAND – The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels
21. Wing SHEK – FactSet
22. Christopher SLAUGHTER – Consultant
23. Barbara YU LARSSON – PAKT Limited

FCC Nomination for the Board of Governors 2025–2026

FCC Nomination for the Board of Governors
2025 – 2026
      
Dear Members,
The FCC Annual Nomination Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 9 April 2025 for the purpose of accepting oral nominations for the Board of Governors for the 2025 – 2026 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, 9 April 2025.
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,
Lee Williamson
President

FCC statement on the repeated cancellation of HKJA’s fundraising dinner

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong is concerned by the repeated cancellations of the Hong Kong Journalists Association’s (HKJA) annual fundraising gala by the host venues, and their implications for press freedom in the city.

HKJA is a non-profit organisation that advocates press freedom and supports journalists and journalism in Hong Kong.

If this trend of cancellations were to continue, it risks tarnishing Hong Kong’s image as an international business and financial centre.

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