The Police Reform Media defines the non-recognition and accreditation news: freelance journalists must produce proof of employment

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Written by: Zheng Qiuling and Huang Yongyu

2020-09-22 22:05

Last update date: 2020-09-22 22:14

The police stated that they would amend the definition of "media representative" under the "General Police Regulations" and divide them into two new categories, including: media organizations that have registered with the press release system of the Information Services Department; or "internationally recognized and well-known" non-local news organizations, that is, not Then recognize the press card issued by the Journalist Association and the Photographic Association.

According to the news, it will be implemented as soon as possible tomorrow (23rd). For freelance workers' on-site interview arrangements, if they are required to show proof, they must provide information about the employment and salaried work.

Some senior reporters who have changed jobs pointed out that the journalist association is rigorous in approving press certificates and has certain standards. After saying goodbye to the media, many senior media workers work freely. They need to submit proof of income and past reports when applying to the journalist association. In recent years, the Government Information Service has begun to recognize online media, "but Yijia has been transferred back." A photojournalist who has been in the industry for ten years said that the police have always used the ID of the Photographic Association to identify identities and questioned the relevant method of collecting Narrow press freedom.

[Extended reading]

The Police Amendments to the "General Police Regulations" come into effect, "media representatives" must have registered with the Information Services Department

The eight major media unions solemnly protested the police reform on the definition of media representatives: they will take feasible and necessary measures to respond

The police reforms the definition of media. Currently, only 205 media have been registered with the Press Department.

The police intends to change the general rules and refuse to recognize the reporters of the Association of Film Recorders to interview Liang Meifen and hope that there are clear guidelines

The police sent a letter today (22nd) to the four media unions, stating that they will revise the definition of "media representative" under the "General Police Regulations" and no longer recognize the press cards issued by the Journalist Association and the Photographic Association.

According to police sources, it will be implemented as soon as possible tomorrow (23rd). For freelance workers’ on-site interview arrangements, the police media liaison team in charge will require proof of employment, if it can be produced, it will be issued by an organization that meets the two new conditions. , Will be allowed to continue the interview.

Independent veteran reporter: narrowing freedom of interview in disguise

Tan Huiyun, a lecturer and independent senior journalist from the School of Journalism and Communication of CUHK, said that the Journalist Association is strict in approving the press card, and has certain standards and conditions. When applying for a freelance journalist, it is necessary to submit proof of income, past reports and other documents.

Tan pointed out that the Government Information Service has begun to recognize online media in recent years, "but Yijia has transferred back and forth, and the police only recognizes traditional media, possibly including large-scale online media," but it has narrowed the freedom of interviews in disguise.

Tan pointed out that many freelance independent journalists have bid farewell to media organizations and have transformed themselves. "It is ironic that media workers with more than ten years of new leisure experience are suddenly not recognized for interviewing qualifications."

Tan Huiyun, a lecturer and independent senior journalist at the School of Journalism and Communication at CUHK, said that many freelance journalists are transforming after bidding farewell to media organizations.

(Tan Huiyun's personal Facebook picture)

Freelance photo recording: You can enter and exit the Legislative Council Building with the ID of the Photographic Association

Photojournalist Mr. Liao has been in the industry for nearly ten years and has been employed by many local media organizations to work freely for one year, supplying photos to overseas and local media.

He criticized the practice for narrowing the freedom of the press, which mainly affected the interview work at the demonstration site. The police used to identify the identity with the ID of the Photojournalist Association. The ID was also recognized by the Legislative Council as a valid proof that allowed entry and exit of the Legislative Council building.

He pointed out that although some organizations would send letters to the freelance photographers hired, or issue temporary certificates to confirm the working status of the day, not every media organization had this practice, and he also questioned whether the police had the patience to go to the scene. Check the relevant temporary certificates.

He is worried that the police will only recognize the "employee IDs" of some organizations after the new amendments. The freelance photographers hired will not be "recognized" by then, and will be arrested as demonstrators, intervened in interviews, and missed important news footage.

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Regarding the on-site interview arrangements for freelance workers, police sources stated that in principle, interviews in public places will not be hindered, but if you want to enter the police blockade, you will be required to produce proof and provide information about the employment and paid work.

The source said that usually such large-scale events will have police media liaisons present, and the police news room is also operating 24 hours a day, which can be verified on the spot, emphasizing that the new arrangement has nothing to do with the gathering restriction order.

Police Media Hong Kong Journalists Association Hong Kong Photographers Association