Hong Kong's news media five years after the handover: Prospects for press freedom

This paper examines the current situation of Hong Kong’s news media in the context of the development of Hong Kong’s government and its relations with Beijing. Despite expectations that press freedom would be eroded under Chinese rule the news media remain very free and outspoken, especially in criticising the local administration. However, much of the ownership of the news media is already in pro-Beijing hands, and, with democracy declining and the role of the legislature and the opposition being eroded, concerns arise that restrictive laws already in existence as well as those due to be made may be used later to reduce the freedom of the press.