WSJ Fires New Head of Hong Kong Press Freedom Group

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Facts

  • The US-based Wall Street Journal let go of automobile and energy reporter Selina Cheng on Wednesday, coming after she was elected the head of the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) on June 22.1
  • Following her termination, Cheng claimed her editor requested she withdraw from the HKJA leadership race because it would be 'incompatible with her job' and create a conflict of interest.2
  • She further alleged that her editor told her that the Journal 'should not be seen as advocating for press freedom in a place like Hong Kong, even though they can in Western countries, where it is already established.'3
  • The Journal's publisher, Dow Jones, said it doesn't comment on specific staffing issues but that it 'has been and continues to be a fierce and vocal advocate for press freedom in Hong Kong and around the world.' Cheng said the official reason she was given for her dismissal was corporate restructuring.4
  • Recent surveys show that 70% of Hong Kong journalists, some of whom have been put in jail, say they censor themselves due to alleged pressure from the city's pro-China politicians.4

Sources: 1Guardian, 2Al Jazeera, 3China Digital Times (CDT) and 4New York Times.

Narratives

  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by JURIST. As an outspoken advocate of press freedom, the Wall Street Journal should be celebrating Cheng's new position at the HKJA. Instead, it's chosen to hypocritically fire her, citing ambiguous reasons like corporate restructuring. If the Journal cares about press freedom, it should fight alongside the HKJA.
  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Barrons. While Cheng may feel slighted, the simple truth is that the Journal has been planning to shift its Asia headquarters from Hong Kong to Singapore, thus requiring personnel restructuring. The news publication has clearly proven its commitment to press freedom and will continue to do so in every region of the globe.
  • Pro-China narrative, as provided by Globaltimes. Cheng is a danger to China and its national security interests, given her position at the Western-controlled HKJA. The press union in Hong Kong is full of journalists pushing the West's agenda at the expense of safety, as it has a history of promoting and instigating violent riots in Hong Kong.

Predictions