NowTV news apologises for reporter's question after pro-Beijing camp criticism

NowTV news has apologised after one of its reporters was accused of asking a question that triggered public anger by a pro-Beijing newspaper. However, the Hong Kong Journalists Association believed that the question was reasonable.

Multiple media in Hong Kong said that on Wednesday a reporter from NowTV news asked how a patient would be able to complain if there were a medical mishap while being treated by a mainland medic. The question was asked at a press conference held by the Centre for Health Protection and the Hospital Authority as there was another batch of medics from China arriving in Hong Kong to help treat COVID-19 patients.

On the following day, pro-Beijing newspaper Ta Kung Pao claimed that the question triggered public anger. It also cited an online petition criticising the reporter, stating that the reporter was unprofessional and she may violate the national security laws. In a statement, NowTV news said, "Our reporter's question about medics from mainland China concerns the public and sparks dissatisfaction among citizens, we are sorry about that."

The company added, "The fifth wave of the pandemic is still severe, and we are extremely grateful for the central government and the mainland's selfless support. We uphold objective and fair reporting and serve citizens. We will also continue to be humbly monitored by the public and accept their criticism."

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to NowTV news for more details. 

In response to the incident, the Hong Kong Journalists Association said they were deeply concerned about the fact that a reporter was criticised when she was performing duties. It added that the statement issued by NowTV was deeply regrettable. "From a journalism perspective, we believe that the question and reporting did not commit any mistakes. NowTV news' apology will definitely increase editorial self-censorship. We urge NowTV not to punish its staff who did not make any mistakes based on external pressure."

Previously, Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority said it will take ultimate responsibility if the Chinese doctors and nurses are the cause of any medical mishaps. On Monday, the first batch of 75 medics from the mainland arrived in Hong Kong to help combat COVID-19 amid a manpower shortage. On Wednesday, an additional 300 medics from China arrived in the city.

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