Navigating a Shifting Landscape for Hong Kong Journalists

Hong Kong’s press freedom, while demonstrating a marginal improvement according to the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), remains at a critically low level. The HKJA’s latest “Press Freedom Index,” released Friday, registered a score of 28.9 out of 100, based on a survey of 220 journalists conducted between March 2024 and September 2025. While this represents a slight increase from the historic low of 25 points recorded in 2023 – the year the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (Article 23) was enacted – the HKJA emphasizes this should not be interpreted as a substantive recovery.

The decline in press freedom began in 2019, coinciding with the widespread protests sparked by a proposed extradition bill. The subsequent imposition of the national security law in 2020 and the enactment of Article 23 have significantly altered the media landscape, leading to increased self-censorship, the closure of news outlets, and the departure of journalists.

The HKJA attributes the perceived improvement not to a loosening of restrictions, but rather to journalists’ adaptability and resilience in the face of these challenges. Selina Cheng, chair of the HKJA, noted that journalists are “learning to acclimatise to current conditions,” understanding the legal boundaries and potential risks associated with certain reporting.

Recent incidents underscore the ongoing pressures. In August, Bloomberg journalist Rebecca Choong Wilkins was denied a work visa renewal without explanation, a case that raised concerns among press freedom advocates, including the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC). This follows a pattern of visa denials for foreign journalists, which the HKJA says have become “normalised.”

The most significant factor impacting press freedom remains self-censorship. The HKJA’s survey consistently identifies this as the lowest-scoring area, with a score of just 1.8 out of 10 in the 2024-25 assessment. This self-censorship isn’t primarily driven by directives from management, but rather by reporters’ own fears of potential repercussions for their reporting. A separate survey by the FCC in April revealed that 65% of its members had engaged in self-censorship in the preceding 18 months.

Adding to the challenges, the HKJA was forced to forgo its usual public opinion survey due to the closure of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (PORI), a key partner in assessing public perceptions of press freedom. PORI suspended its self-funded research in February following investigations into its CEO, Robert Chung, related to national security concerns. The HKJA hopes to resume public surveys in the future, recognizing the importance of understanding public sentiment.

Beyond visa issues and self-censorship, Hong Kong’s media landscape has been further constricted by a “systematic and organised attack” targeting journalists from at least 13 outlets, including HKFP, with online and offline harassment. This, coupled with the broader decline in international press freedom indices, paints a concerning picture for the future of journalism in the city.

Since the implementation of the national security law, over 1,000 journalists have lost their jobs, and many have chosen to emigrate. Media outlets like Apple Daily, Stand News, and Citizen News have been forced to close, while RTHK, the city’s public broadcaster, has implemented new editorial guidelines, purged its archives, and cancelled news and satirical programs.

Despite these developments, authorities maintain that press freedom is “respected and protected” in Hong Kong. Chief Executive John Lee has encouraged journalists to “tell a good Hong Kong story,” yet government departments have often been unresponsive to media inquiries.

What does the future hold for independent journalism in Hong Kong? And how can the international community support journalists facing increasing pressure in the region?

Frequently Asked Questions About Press Freedom in Hong Kong

• What is the current state of press freedom in Hong Kong?

  While there has been a slight rebound in the HKJA’s Press Freedom Index, the overall situation remains extremely concerning. Self-censorship is widespread, and journalists face increasing pressure from various sources.

• What is the impact of the National Security Law on press freedom?

  The National Security Law has had a chilling effect on press freedom, leading to increased self-censorship, the closure of media outlets, and the arrest of journalists. The law’s broad scope creates uncertainty and fear within the media community.

• How prevalent is self-censorship among Hong Kong journalists?

  Self-censorship is a pervasive issue, with the HKJA’s survey consistently identifying it as the lowest-scoring factor. A significant majority of journalists report engaging in self-censorship due to fear of repercussions.

• What is the HKJA doing to support press freedom in Hong Kong?

  The HKJA advocates for press freedom, monitors violations, provides support to journalists, and conducts research to document the state of press freedom in Hong Kong.

• Are foreign journalists also affected by the restrictions on press freedom?

  Yes, foreign journalists have faced increasing challenges, including visa denials and difficulties accessing information. These restrictions hinder their ability to report freely and independently.