05 '87 15:33 TIBCOOL) HK GOVT
1
P.6
Grounds for retaining the 'false news' provision
The organisation of the media in Hong Kong and the compactness of the territory are important considerations for the retention of the false news provision. Hong Kong has the largest number of daily newspapers (50) and periodicals (542) per capita of anywhere else in the world. Competition is extremely keen. The situation is complicated by the varied qualities and political affiliations of the papers. It is also a fact that there is no self-disciplinary body in Hong Kong which exercises control of the media. Various attempts over the years in establishing a Press Council have been resisted by the media, most recently in 1985. There is also no 'D' Notice System in Hong Kong.
9.
The compactness of the territory and the tradition of the media copying news items from other newspapers mean that rumours travel extremely quickly. Reactions are often quite out of proportion to the significance of the news. There were countless examples in 1967 and many since then which have caused considerable alarm within the community. It is not unreasonable,
therefore, to argue that Hong Kong is particularly
Se itive to the spread of false news in a way which does not apply to other less volatile or densely populated
communities.
10.
Against this background, it has not been necessary to invoke the false news provision in the past. It may be fair to say that the existence of such a provision has caused journalists and publishers to exercise self-discipline. At least on one occasion, the Attorney General had to issue warning letter to a newspaper to stop the spread of an unfounded rumour.
:
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.