Most media pros fear forsafety when law holds sway

The national security law will hamper press freedom and increase self-censorship in the media, according to a survey by the Hong Kong Journalists Association, which has sent a letter to the chairman of the National People's Congress standing committee, Li Zhanshu, to express their concerns.

The HKJA conducted the survey between June 8 and 11 on its 535 full members to collect their opinions on the national security law. 150 responses were received.

Ninety-eight percent of respondents opposed the legislation, and a tenth said they would consider leaving the industry once the legislation comes into play.

"Overall, it is clear media workers are worried about many things after the national security law is passed, including their personal safety and freedom of the press," HKJA chairman Chris Yeung Kin-hing said.

Ninety-eight percent indicated that the law would affect freedom of the press, while 92 percent expressed concern regarding their personal safety after the law's passage.

Regarding how the law for Hong Kong will affect freedom of the press, about 70 to 90 percent said the media would cut or avoid reporting on sensitive topics, including Hong Kong independence, Taiwan independence and Xinjiang, as well as the media facing a political crackdown and threats to the personal safety of reporters.

Meanwhile, seven respondents said their company's management put pressure on them when covering sensitive topics; 79 respondents said company management did not do so; 64 respondents said that it was difficult to say or had no comment.