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.