Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted the media’s vital role in maintaining professional standards and promoting patriotic values during his speech at the Hong Kong News Awards 2024 ceremony on Friday.
Addressing award winners and industry leaders, Lee praised the industry’s commitment to high professional standards and public service, emphasizing that objective, balanced reporting helps citizens stay informed on community affairs and supports effective governance.
“Neutral and fair journalism not only fosters public engagement with Hong Kong’s development but also enables the government to craft policies that better serve the people,” he said.
While reaffirming the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s commitment to press freedom under the Basic Law and Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, Lee noted that the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance also safeguard these freedoms from misuse.
He praised journalists as “partners” in building a better Hong Kong but reminded them of their duty to uphold ethical standards and factual accuracy.
Amid global challenges such as protectionism and geopolitical tensions, Lee called on the media to accurately report on Hong Kong’s opportunities. He outlined plans to strengthen international ties, including his upcoming visit to Qatar and Kuwait to promote investment.
ALSO READ: CE to lead local, mainland entrepreneurs to visit Gulf states
“As an open free-trade port, Hong Kong inevitably faces challenges,” he said.
“But where there are risks, there are also opportunities — and I firmly believe that for Hong Kong, opportunities outweigh challenges,” he added.
Lee encouraged reporters to produce “relevant, warm, and professional” stories that showcase China and HKSAR’s development to the world.
He pointed to China’s modernization drive as a rich source of material for impactful journalism.
“Authentic reporting is the lifeblood of journalism,” Lee stressed, calling on media to combat misinformation while telling compelling stories that resonate with grassroots communities.
Organized by the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong, this year’s ceremony awarded 78 prizes across four categories — reporting, writing, photography, and design — from 639 submissions by 12 press organizations.
China Daily Hong Kong emerged as the top winner, securing 17 awards across nine categories — its best-ever performance in a single year. The honors included five championships and seven first runners-up, bringing the newspaper’s total since 2010 to 141.
READ MORE: Scaling new heights in journalism
This achievement builds on its previous successes: 11 awards in 2024, eight in 2023, and 10 in 2022.
