Coconuts Media reduces coverage for HK amidst journalistic and commercial challenges

Coconuts Media has reduced coverage for its Hong Kong site due to increasing journalistic and commercial challenges the independent media has been facing over the years. 

According to an official statement on Coconuts' website, the company explained the reason behind its reduced coverage on its Hong Kong site, “As an independent media outlet, Coconuts Media has always been committed to providing our readers with engaging and informative content that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the communities we serve. However, in recent years, we have faced increasing journalistic and commercial challenges that have made it difficult for us to continue publishing regularly in Hong Kong," the statement read. 

Despite these challenges, Coconuts said it remains proud of the work it has done over the years bringing readers weird and wondrous stories from Hong Kong, "From our extensive on-the-ground reporting of the pro-democracy protests to deep dives into the city’s iconic food scene to award-winning profiles of incredible individuals, we have always strived to provide content that informs, entertains and inspires," the post read. 

"We appreciate all of the many fantastic writers and editors that have contributed to Coconuts Hong Kong and all of the incredible support our readership has given us over the years," said the company's media team. It also said it will still occasionally publish stories from Hong Kong that are of interest and relevance to the rest of our readership in the region, "We hope one day to be able to give Hong Kong the in-depth coverage that it deserves once again."

A check by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE saw Coconuts Media's Hong Kong site published its latest story on 17 January, while coverage on Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Bali, Jakarta and KL sites remains regular and frequent.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Coconuts Media for further information.

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Meanwhile, Coconuts Media will no longer update its Yangon site on a regular basis, according to another note on its website. 

Established in 2015, Coconuts Yangon covered stories such as human right abuses, Myanmar’s culture and F&B sector, it will stop updating the site due to the political threats they are facing in Myanmar. “We started Coconuts Yangon back in 2015, a time when there was great hope for Myanmar’s future and its democracy." the note read.

“But, obviously, everything changed after the military junta’s coup in February 2020. Although we have endeavored to keep publishing stories on Coconuts Yangon after that, conditions have made it difficult for us to work with reporters within the country (who can face immense risks simply for being journalists) and consistently produce quality stories serving audiences within Yangon and Myanmar.”

The company added that it will occasionally publish stories about news in Myanmar that will be of interest to their readership throughout the region, particularly those that may raise awareness about the human rights abuses that continue to take place there. "Our hearts go out to the people of Myanmar and we hope for the day when independent media will be able to flourish in the country once more." the note read.

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