Macau Journalists Up In Arms Over Patriotism Order

Journalists at Macau’s largest broadcaster, TDM, have demanded a meeting with the station’s management, after they were ordered to stop putting out news and opinions that aren't in tune with the authorities, including on matters relating to Hong Kong.

Sources told RTHK that editorial directors at the Portuguese arm of the station, which provides a public broadcasting service, read out a nine-point set of guidelines during a meeting on Wednesday to around 25 reporters and producers. A small English news team is also under the Portuguese section.

The guidelines require TDM staff to promote patriotism, respect and love for the country. They state that the public broadcaster is an information broadcasting body of the central government and the Macau SAR.

Another of the rules says: “TDM supports the fundamental principle that the Hong Kong SAR is governed by patriots,” – with this principle proclaimed by Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office chief Xia Baolong last month.

The journalists were also ordered not to “disseminate information or opinions contrary to the policies of the central government and the measures adopted by the [Macau] SAR.”

“It simply kills press freedom. As it was transmitted to us, reporters can no longer report facts or opinions against policies of the central government and Macau government,” one of those present at the meeting told RTHK.

The TDM employee, who asked not to be named, said an editorial director had warned reporters that anyone who doesn’t abide by the new guidelines risks being fired.

They were also told that management will carry out "necessary adjustments" to TDM’s structure, staffing and programming to enable the guidelines to be implemented, and the current editorial guidelines will be revoked.

The journalist said the Portuguese team has traditionally enjoyed more freedom in its reporting than the Chinese section.

Following the meeting on Wednesday, more than 20 journalists signed a petition demanding an urgent meeting with TDM's executive commission for clarification.

RTHK understands that the commission agreed to meet staff representatives on Monday.

In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, TDM said it has not changed its current editorial policy.

“As an organisation that provides public broadcasting services, it will continue to fulfil its media social responsibility and adhere to the principle of patriotism and love for Macau. Regarding online speculation and rumours, TDM reserves the right to pursue relevant responsibilities in accordance with the law,” the station said.