Hong Kong pledges fresh support for local media's global expansion push

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will include measures supporting local news outlets' overseas expansion in next week's policy address, marking the second consecutive year such assistance features in the annual blueprint.

The "go global" initiative will help local media organisations, reporting in both Chinese and English, extend their reach to audiences beyond the city, a source said on Thursday. The support aims to enable the industry to provide media services particularly in nations under the Belt and Road Initiative umbrella, the insider added.

Continued Government Support

"The government will continue to assist local media in expanding their networks outside Hong Kong and telling good Hong Kong stories," the source said.

The policy address marks the second straight year Lee has incorporated support for local media network expansion into his annual policy blueprint, according to the source. The South China Morning Post has learned that the chief executive's office is committed to facilitating the growth of global networks for Hong Kong-based news companies.

Last year, the chief executive pledged that the initiatives would not involve any interference with media operations, the insider noted. The assurance addressed concerns about editorial independence as local news organisations accept government assistance to build their international presence.

Source: South China Morning Post