Muzzling The Messenger

Hong Kong’s press was once the most free in Asia, but many believe it is under attack from the central government.


Hong Kong's press was once rated the most free in Asia. Today, it's 61st in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, down from 18th in 2002. Free press advocates believe Beijing is trying to muzzle its critics and fear the situation will get worse.

In this half-hour film for 101 East, we look at possible signs of this decline - the increase in self-censorship, the co-option of media owners by central government, and the recent spate of physical attacks on journalists.

Are these fears justified? If so, what can be done to reverse the trend?