Most Journalists Fear For Press Freedom: HKJA Poll

An overwhelming percentage of local journalists who took part in a recent survey say the coming national security law will seriously affect press freedom and some even say they will consider quitting the industry after the legislation is passed.

That’s according to a poll of 150 members by the Hong Kong Journalists’ Association (HKJA).

Ninety-eight percent of those polled said they oppose the legislation, while 87 percent said the move will seriously affect press freedom.

The association’s chair, Chris Yeung, said the scope of the law is so wide that it will affect the day-to-day operation of the media and put journalists’ personal safety at risk.

Yeung also said parts of the law, such as those regarding foreign interference, could make reporting events like Britain's move to give greater visa rights to British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders problematic.

"If the media do stories on that, will that be seen as spreading or inciting crimes? Reporters who do those stories or editors who publish those stories could be liable," he said.

Eight out of ten surveyed said the problem of self-censorship will worsen, and one-third say they are pessimistic or very pessimistic about the future of press freedom in the city.

Thirteen percent of the journalists polled said they may leave the industry altogether after the law is put in place.