TNAG-0003-FCO40-39-Commission-of-Enquiry-into-the-Kowloon-disturbances-addition-1968 — Page 143

PART VI CONCLUSIONS

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446. Government can and should provide many of the facts but the decision to use them, to present them, and the manner in which they are presented, all depend on the editorial decisions of a free press. Here, of course, there can be something of a dilemma for editors who have to watch their circulation and their profits. The public may be quick to buy the sensational headline, with the shallow superficial text, or the paper which prints what the public finds agreeable and therefore wants to see; rather than a thorough analysis which reflects both points of view. This must place a heavy demand on an editor's high sense of responsibility and on the skill of journalists, who, when in possession of the necessary informa- tion, can interest their readers in the full facts: a formidable task but one which Government, when it has discharged its task of providing the information, may legitimately hope will be shouldered with courage, determination and ability if the press is to maintain the status to which its importance can justly lay claim.

447. The newspapers probably provide the most effective channels between the Government and public opinion, and it is in the people's interest that these channels should be freely used and that Government and all concerned should keep them full and flowing. But it is also in the people's interest that both Govern- ment and the people should seek to open and develop channels of every kind so that the lines of communication between Government and people are as many and varied as possible, and wide enough to find room for a two-way traffic; with information, guidance and ideas flowing on the one hand and sound sensible criticism as well as ideas on the other.

448. Indeed, this is a field that extends beyond Government relations. The Star Ferry controversy would suggest that the public image of Hong Kong utility companies in general leaves room for improvement, Press comment tends to feature remarks such as 'greedy', 'selfish', 'inefficient', 'poor service', 'rude employees' etc. Many of these may be based on a misunderstanding of the problems faced by the companies and it is questionable how far they were intended to apply to the Star Ferry service as such and still more questionable whether, if so intended, they were justified. The comments of visitors tend to suggest that its service and its prices compare favourably with those found elsewhere. Nevertheless, public opinion being what it is, there may well be a case for utility companies to exert and extend every effort towards improving their image both by keeping the public informed of their problems and their achievements as well as by providing and maintaining a good and, where necessary, an improved service.

449. One further point may be mentioned. When a matter is referred to a committee, such as the Transport Advisory Committee, it would seem highly desir- able that organs like the press and the radio, and organizations which can strongly influence public opinion, should endeavour to see that, pending the Committee's advice, the matter is not virtually prejudged or unduly prejudiced. In the present case, this principle appears to have received a considerable measure of recognition.