An open letter from TVB news reporters Regarding the police clearance during the early morning of Oct. 15 at Lung Wo Road and Tamar Park, we regrettably declare our disagreement with TVBs management regarding the reporting of this event. That night, several police officers were filmed subduing a protester, dragging him into a corner, and then committing violent acts against this handcuffed protester. We believe that our script for this story, as broadcast before 7 a.m., contains a neutral stance: A protester was handcuffed and taken away by six police officers. Police carried him to a dark corner in Tamar Park, placed him on the ground, and then punched and kicked at him. Two officers then walked away from the attack, but the others continued. Finally, the protester was taken away again. The entire process lasted about four minutes. Starting from 7 a.m., the phrase, placed him on the ground, and then punched and kicked at him. was removed. Only staring at noon was the additional phrase the police are suspected of having used violence against him added. Indeed, the phrase 拳打腳踢 (punched and kicked) does not sound like the most objective term. However, we do not believe that this term is a misrepresentation of the events in question, and we cannot accept that this phrase was removed for nearly five hours (from 7am to noon) from TVBs script without any substitution. Not only does the omission lead to an incomplete report, it suggests that management does not express confidence in the original report. This disagreeable act makes us extremely uncomfortable. We believe that to report the truth in this manner is inadequate. We reiterate that the deleted phrase does not include the personal opinions or mood of any reporting staff and is merely a reflection of the facts. The audience will make its own reactions, whether it be dissatisfaction or sympathy with the police force. News staff should not concern themselves with these reactions. As the largest free television station in Hong Kong, we hope that both front-line reporters and management abide by professionalism, adhere to principle, and stick to the facts, to deliver accurate, objective, and complete information to our viewers. Front-line staff of this news department have, over the past ten-plus days, continued to work non-stop to deliver the facts. We can but hope that society shares the same passion for Hong Kongs press freedom, supports reporters independence, and will prevent the obstruction of reporters reporting the facts.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:54:57 +0000
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