RESTRICTED
HONG KONG CHINESE PRESS
(After Chan and Lee in China Quarterly 126)
A: THE RIGHTIST PRESS
SING TAO
The
There are two papers in the Sing Tao group, the Sing Tao Daily (Sing Tao Jih Pao) and the Sing Tao Evening News (Sing Tao Wan Pao). Owned and published by the businesswoman Sally Aw. group has a strong affinity to the KMT and caters mainly to business and real estate circles. The group relocated to Sydney in May 1985, and has invested heavily in international editions. Also diversified into real estate.
WAH KIU YAT PO
Family concern owned by Shum Choi-sang. Long regarded as a government mouthpiece, but now more ruthless with GIS releases. Wait and see attitude to China.
B: THE CENTRIST PAPERS
MING PAO
Pledged to remain after 1997. Hoped to become the most authoritative paper in a future Chinese administration, like the South China Morning Post now. Run by well respected Louis Cha. Was the only non-communist paper to which Chinese officials could subscribe. Branded an old time anti-communist after June 1989, Cha says he will close if no press freedom after 1997. Once hoped for alliance with SCMP but it (SCMP) was taken over by Murdoch who teamed up with Australian based Sing Tao.
ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS
Biggest circulation. Publisher Ma Sik-chun jumped bail on drugs charges and fled to Taiwan, from where he continues to direct the paper by phone. Caters to less educated and avoids political controversy.
Tries to be neutral, covers stories on both sides of the straits and takes stuff from Xinhua and China News Agency (Taiwan). Staff mainly educated in Taiwan and ideologically and emotionally attached to it. Became a public company before the crash of October 1987.
RESTRICTED