World News Day: Why independent journalism is a lifeline for Hong Kong

World News Day on September 28 will showcase the vital role of independent journalism, as 1,000 news organizations join forces worldwide. This initiative, aligned with the UN's International Day for Universal Access to Information, seeks to promote truth, fact-based reporting, and media literacy. A UNESCO-commissioned report revealed that every dollar invested in journalism yields over $100 in public savings, stemming from better services, reduced corruption, and recovered funds.

Conversely, territories with shrinking press freedom experience a 1-2 percent drop in real GDP growth. Disinformation, deemed the second most significant global risk by the World Economic Forum, costs societies up to $516 billion annually. Independent journalism is uniquely positioned to combat this issue, and it would only require 0.1 percent of global GDP to fund a secure and healthy public media.

In Hong Kong, independent news outlets have dwindled while state-funded titles have surged, often backed by mainland conglomerates and business tycoons. HKFP stands as the city's sole English-language independent publication, offering in-depth features without a paywall. Having operated for 11 years, HKFP has published over 31,500 stories, won multiple awards, funded 50 local journalists, and even garnered a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

Despite facing cyberattacks, threats, visa issues, intimidation, harassment, censorship, and more, HKFP remains independent, financed by over 1,000 supporters who contribute an average of HK$200 monthly.