Third Media Outlet to Shut Down

News outlet Citizen News shuts down after five years

A few hours ago another independent news outlet Citizen News announced it will shut down as of tomorrow (January 4).

This comes just days after Stand News was raided by some 200 national security officers and seven people were arrested, including barrister Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee and singer Denise Ho Wan-see. Later two people, acting editor-in-chief Patrick Lam Shiu-tung, and his predecessor Chung Pui-kuen were charged with allegedly publishing seditious content and stirring up hatred against the government.

Stand News' Lam was arrested, charged last week

Citizen News said tonight on social media in part: "Standing in the eye of the storm with the waves rolling, our little boat faces harsh conditions. In crisis, we must first ensure everyone on the boat is safe."

The online news outlet started five years ago on January 1, 2017. At the time the founders said: "By taking a small step, we hope we could inspire everyone in the industry to take a small step. Taken together, it will become a big step in protecting press freedom."

For five years Citizen News was a critical voice made up of veteran journalists who held the government accountable. 

Last year in an interview with the New York Times, chief editor Daisy Li said: "You know there is a red line, but at the same time you don't know what that line actually is."

Which makes one wonder, what is the future of journalism in Hong Kong? 

Citizen News' announcement tonight

How do you teach journalism students to be safe when you don't know what the red lines are?

What can be reported on safely anymore?

It's ironic that there is no violence in the streets, no blood being shed, and yet organisations being raided, people being arrested and thrown in jail, and groups shutting down are just as horrifying.

At the same time people are happy to pay good money to eat in nice restaurants, drink expensive bottles of wine and purchase luxury brand clothing, shoes and handbags. 

What times we live in in Hong Kong. 

The polar opposites could not be even more extreme...