The Importance of Independent Press for Hong Kong on World News Day

Serdar HocamAuthor & Editor

As the Hong Kong Free Press celebrates 11 years of publication, it highlights the critical role of independent journalism and appeals for reader support to close funding gaps.

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World News Day: Why independent journalism is a lifeline for Hong Kong

On the occasion of World News Day, the Hong Kong Free Press emphasized the vital importance of independent journalism while sharing its 11-year publishing history and the challenges it has faced with the public.

World News Day and Global Events

HKFP celebrated World News Day on September 28 alongside thousands of news organizations in over 100 countries, coinciding with the UN International Day for Universal Access to Information.

This global event carries out efforts aimed at promoting fact-based journalism, accuracy, and media literacy worldwide.

Hong Kong's Only English Independent Media

In Hong Kong, HKFP stands as the city's only English-language independent media outlet and the sole newspaper publishing in-depth news without a paywall.

Launched in 2015 through initial crowd-funding, the organization has produced news from the front lines during critical periods such as the Umbrella Movement and the 2019 protests.

Eleven Years of Success and Faced Challenges

Over more than 11 years, the organization has published approximately 31,500 news reports, won numerous awards, contributed to the training of dozens of journalists, and been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Operating without the support of billionaires or governments, the publication struggles with many challenges such as cyberattacks, threats, and surveillance.