Lin Xiuyi, Sound of Hope Radio Network
HONG KONG—Legislators here are alarmed over a deal between a local television station and five Chinese state-run enterprises, expressing fears that programming, reportage, as well as Hong Kong’s media freedom will be compromised in the bargain.
Wang Zheng, a Chinese Real Estate tycoon and chairman of Rongfeng Holding Company, made the high profile purchase of Hong Kong Asia Television’s (aTV) stocks on March 11. He also negotiated with five Chinese state-run enterprises, namely, China Life, China Merchants Bank, China Shipping (Group) Company, GDH Investment Holding Company, and Bank of Beijing, to sign a “strategic alliance” with aTV to provide support, including advertising.
Legislator Lee Wing-tat, deputy chairman of the Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, expressed concern over the enterprises’ potential political influence and aTV’s autonomy. “I am worried that they would directly or indirectly influence or even manipulate aTV’s news and editing autonomy, which I have to keep a close eye on.”
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