Hong Kong Journalists Report Steep Decline in Press Freedom, Survey Finds

April 28, 2025 – Hong Kong – 

Press freedom in Hong Kong has reached alarming new lows, according to a recent survey conducted by the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA). The findings, based on responses from 167 local journalists, reveal a continued erosion of media freedoms and a growing sense of fear and self-censorship among reporters working under increasing political pressure.

The annual survey, released in April 2025, highlights a marked drop in perceived press freedom. Respondents ranked the current press environment at an average of 2.45 out of 10—the lowest since the survey began in 2013. This score reflects a downward spiral that accelerated following the 2020 implementation of the national security law, which has been widely criticized for stifling dissent and curbing journalistic independence.

According to the survey, over 80% of journalists said they were more cautious when covering politically sensitive topics. Many admitted to practicing self-censorship to avoid legal trouble or government backlash. The growing climate of fear has also discouraged investigative journalism and reduced the public’s access to diverse, critical viewpoints.

Key concerns among journalists include the vague and sweeping nature of the national security law, increasing government control over media content, and the arrest or exile of prominent journalists. Several respondents noted that topics such as the 2019 protests, Beijing’s influence, and Taiwan’s status are now largely avoided by many local outlets.

International watchdogs, including Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have echoed these concerns. They warn that Hong Kong’s once-vibrant media landscape is being systematically dismantled, with independent outlets shut down, journalists detained, and editorial lines increasingly dictated by pro-Beijing interests.

Despite the grim outlook, the HKJA and other media advocates continue to call for stronger protections and the restoration of journalistic autonomy. However, with Beijing tightening its grip and dissent criminalized under broad legal frameworks, prospects for meaningful change remain slim.

The survey serves as a sobering snapshot of a city where press freedom, once a pillar of its identity, is rapidly disappearing.

Reference – 

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/hong-kong-press-freedom-declines-08212024132736.html

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