John Lee stresses importance of balanced reporting at News Awards

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasized the crucial role of professional journalism in fostering social development during his speech at the Hong Kong News Awards 2024.

Lee said neutral and balanced news coverage helps citizens better understand Hong Kong affairs and cultivates social responsibility, while also enabling the government to gauge public sentiment and create more people-centric policies.

"Press freedom in Hong Kong is protected by relevant laws," Lee affirmed, adding that journalists should operate with media ethics, reporting truthfully based on accurate facts.

The leader stressed that "truth is the life of journalism, facts are its origin, while falsehood is its enemy," adding that only objective reporting can dispel misinformation.

The Chief Executive called on media professionals to uphold journalistic integrity by rejecting false information and opposing biased, misleading content that undermines credibility.

His remarks came as he presented awards recognizing excellence across 78 categories in Hong Kong's most prestigious journalism competition.

Middle East mission

Lee also announced he will lead a delegation tomorrow to Qatar and Kuwait, noting the rapidly developing Middle East region's growing interest in diversifying investments into China and Hong Kong.

He said the delegation will fully showcase the opportunities and advantages of our nation and Hong Kong to Middle Eastern political and business communities, with the visit set to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and explore emerging market prospects.

Storytelling with professionalism

The Chief Executive commended Hong Kong journalists for fulfilling their professional mission while bearing responsibility to both the nation and the SAR.

He expressed hope that the media would continue telling compelling Chinese and Hong Kong stories through reporting that combines "passion and warmth”.