Hong Kong pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily will be forced to shut “in a matter of days” after authorities froze the company’s assets under a national security law, an adviser to jailed owner Jimmy Lai says.
According to reports, Friday will be the last day for the 26-year-old newspaper.
Media advocacy groups say that the closure of Apple Daily would undermine the former British colony’s reputation as an open and free society and send a warning to other companies that could be accused of colluding with a foreign country.
The publisher’s head company Next Digital will hold a board meeting on Monday to discuss how to move forward after its lines of credit were frozen.
“We must press on”: news raid sends “shockwaves” through Hong-Kong
Following raids on a Hong Kong newsroom last week, a journalist based in the city-state says it has sent “shockwaves” through the entire industry.
500 Hong Kong police offices raided Apple Daily to arrest a number of top executives and seize documents over allegations the publisher breached national security laws.
Elaine Yu from the Wall Street Journal says the incident “raises important new questions about how media outlets can report on topics that are now considered highly sensitive.”
The behaviour of the individuals is said to have breached legislation that prohibits sedition, secession and subversion against Beijing.
The assistant to Apple Daily’s chairman says operations at the newsroom are limited because Hong Kong authorities have seized many of the company’s accounts.
He also says “it’ll get harder for reporters to get people to talk to them because the police can now potentially seize reporter’s files and devices through a court warrant.”
Sold out news stands with “we must press on” printed on front page
“We must press on”… that was the message on the front page of Apple Daily, that people in hong kong queued up for.
Many Hong Kong locals have have queued up to buy copies of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily… a day after its newsroom was raided by police.
The paper typically prints about 80,000 copies but increased that to 500,000 to meet demand.. and some news stands sold out.
A total of five executives were arrested including the Editor-in-chief and chief executive officer.
Update: HK police raid Apple Daily
5 executives were taken away, including Editor-in-Chief Ryan Law and #NextDigital CEO Cheung Kim-hung.
Officers were seen accessing journalists' computers, and all employees were barred from returning to their seats to work.#AppleDailyENGpic.twitter.com/45nsFWmCfE
— Apple Daily HK 蘋果日報 (@appledaily_hk) June 17, 2021
Police made the arrests on suspicion of collusion with a “foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security”.
200 Hong Kong police officers arrested five senior executives. Image: Apple Daily.
Meanwhile, this is the second time that police have searched the building.
The company’s founder Jimmy Lai, was recently arrested for national security violations.
Mr Lai is currently serving a 20-month prison sentence.
Ticker News is now available on Xumo TV and Xfinity, bringing new era of accessibility
Ticker is thrilled to announce a major milestone for Ticker News: we are now available for streaming across the United States on Comcast’s major platforms, Xumo TV and Xfinity.
The development places Ticker News in the company of industry giants like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, marking a significant leap forward in our mission to deliver quality news to a wider audience.
With a combined reach of 50 million active users per month, Xumo TV and Xfinity offer an opportunity for Ticker News to expand viewership.
The achievement is particularly special with Ticker’s fifth anniversary on air on August 19.
“Getting Ticker News on these platforms was no small feat,” says Ticker Founder and CEO Ahron Young.
“It took nearly two years of intense negotiations and overcoming various technical challenges. But the journey underscores the resilience and determination of our team, proving that persistence pays off. We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished together,” Ahron says.
Being available on Xumo TV and Xfinity significantly enhances our already robust distribution network.
These platforms provide Ticker with the ability to reach millions of new viewers, further solidifying our presence in the competitive news landscape.
“Our commitment to expanding our reach and improving accessibility remains stronger than ever,” says TIcker’s Global Marketing Director, Kane Ricca.
Looking Ahead
As Ticker celebrates this exciting moment, the media company remains focused on its mission to provide accurate, timely, and engaging news to our audience.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support of our hosts, staff, investors, and viewers. Every moment counts at Ticker, and together, we are building something truly special,” says Ahron.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a cease-fire agreement.
Vice President Kamala Harris highlighted the nature of the discussion describing it as a “frank and constructive”meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Harris expressed her concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
She stressed the need to finalise a cease-fire deal.
Harris described the past nine months in Gaza as devastating.
She urged that the tragedies in Gaza should not be ignored. #trending