Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee Ka-chiu on Friday called on the city’s journalists to uphold professional ethics, tell compelling stories of China and the territory, and produce quality reports that faithfully record the times.
He made the remarks at the Hong Kong News Awards 2025, which was organized by the Newspaper Society of Hong Kong.
The annual award received 636 entries from 12 Chinese- and English-language newspapers this year, competing for 78 awards. China Daily Hong Kong won 12 awards, raising its cumulative tally to 153. The honors comprise three top prizes, two first runners-up, and three second runners-up across seven categories, including Best Business News Report, Best News Writing (English), Best Business News Writing (English), and Best Photograph (Sports).
Lee said this year marks the start of the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30), which outlines the need to accelerate the development of China’s discourse and narrative systems, enhance the effectiveness of international communication, and strengthen cross-cultural exchanges and cooperation.
“In the face of a complex and fast-changing geopolitical landscape, I trust that media practitioners will adhere to professional standards and uphold the core values of serving the interests of the nation and Hong Kong,” Lee said, outlining three principles — virtue, contribution, and quality reporting — for news professionals to follow.
He expressed his belief that journalists will act with integrity and prioritize the interests of both the nation and Hong Kong. Given the significant influence of news reporting, he emphasized that with power comes responsibility — including avoiding bias, personal agendas, and self-interest, while delivering accurate information and quality guidance to the public.
Lee also stressed that outstanding journalists shoulder their mission with the ambition to serve national development, uphold truth, and support public welfare.
They help Hong Kong serve the country and connect with the world, contributing journalistic strength to social progress and people’s well-being, Lee said.
In addition, he called on reporters to produce quality reports that provide accurate and professional records for the times, and help readers understand social realities and analyze political and economic developments.
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Lee stressed the important role of media in Hong Kong’s development, saying he believed that reporters will “continue to exert a positive influence in the industry, presenting the facts, opportunities, and advantages of Hong Kong’s sound development”.
The Newspaper Society of Hong Kong was established in 1954 by four major Chinese- and English-language newspapers. The society now has 14 members.
Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com
