FT News Briefing What the Apple Daily closure means for the free press in Hong Kong
Jul 2, 2021
A historic global agreement sets a minimum corporate tax rate of 15% for multinationals. Economists predict interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, stirring investor interest. Meanwhile, the closure of the pro-democracy Apple Daily in Hong Kong raises serious concerns for media freedom. The newspaper's influential role during the 2019 protests is reflected upon, along with the fearful landscape for journalists facing increased censorship. The international media exodus signals a troubling future for press accountability in the region.
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Childhood Memory of Apple Daily
- Nicolle Liu's father bought Apple Daily but forbade her from reading it due to its sensational content.
- As she grew older, she recognized the serious investigative reporting hidden beneath the tabloid style.
Apple Daily's Style and Growing Support
- Apple Daily, one of Hong Kong's first color newspapers, mixed serious reporting with celebrity gossip and even brothel reviews.
- Despite its tabloid reputation, support for the paper surged during the 2019 protests, becoming synonymous with pro-democracy sentiment.
Apple Daily as a Symbol of Protest
- During protests, Apple Daily printed large, poster-like front pages that demonstrators carried.
- This visible support solidified the paper's connection to the pro-democracy movement.