News
Press freedoms in Hong Kong “hanging on by a thread”
A pro-Democracy newspaper has been raided again, and the editorial team warns press freedoms in Hong Kong are under threat like never before.
Nine months after the Apple Daily newsroom was raided, hundreds of officers again swept the office and arrested five top executives under national security charges.
The paper and its jailed owner Jimmy Lai have long been a thorn in Beijing’s side with unapologetic support for the financial hub’s pro-democracy movement.
Five hundred police sifted through reporters computers and notebooks.
Hong Kong police said 500 officers raided the anti-government tabloid’s Tseung Kwan O office,, going through reporters’ documents and notes.
Apple Daily streamed the event live online.
Dawn operation
More than 500 officers conducted a dawn operation which authorities said was sparked by articles Apple Daily had published “appealing for sanctions” against Hong Kong and China’s leaders.
Pictures published by Apple Daily showed police sitting at reporters’ desks and using their computers.
A person streaming a live feed for Apple Daily’s Facebook page said reporters were prevented from accessing certain floors or getting their equipment or notebooks.
In a message to readers, Apple Daily warned Hong Kong’s press freedoms are “hanging by a thread”.
Police say at least 30 articles published in 2019 may have breached national security by calling for foreign sanctions against the Hong Kong government.
This is the first time where authorities said news articles could potentially violate the security law.
Supt Li, who heads the police force’s national security department, said Secretary for Security John Lee had issued an order to freeze HK$18 million worth of assets.
After the raid, reporters returned to a semi-gutted newsroom with the paper saying 38 computers were taken away.
Five executives of Apple Daily and Next Digital – editor-in-chief Ryan Law, chief executive Cheung Kim Hung, Chief Operating Officer Chow Tat Kuen, Deputy Chief Editor Chan Pui Man and Chief Executive Editor Cheung Chi Wai were detained.
The raid is the latest blow to media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the tabloid’s owner and a staunch Beijing critic.
Security Secretary John Lee describes the newsroom as a “crime scene” and says the operation is aimed at those who use reporting as a “tool to endanger” national security.
“We are talking about a conspiracy in which these suspects try to make use of journalistic work to collude with a foreign country or external element to impose sanctions or take hostile activities against Hong Kong and … China,” Mr Lee said.
News
RBA rate hike fears & Fed cuts shake Wall Street
Fresh jobs data fuels speculation of earlier RBA rate hikes amid underlying labor-market issues affecting the Australian economy.
Fresh jobs data fuels speculation of earlier RBA rate hikes amid underlying labor-market issues affecting the Australian economy.
Fresh jobs data has sparked speculation that the Reserve Bank of Australia may raise rates sooner than expected. Market watchers are weighing how steady unemployment may mask deeper labor-market weaknesses and what that means for the Australian economy.
Kyle Rodda from Capital.com breaks down why some economists now expect the RBA could move twice in 2026 and how tighter financial conditions may influence households and businesses.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
#RBA #FedRateCut #WallStreet #InterestRates #AustralianEconomy #Investing #Markets #FinanceNews
News
Netflix vs Paramount: The Warner Bros takeover battle explained
Warner Bros faces a pivotal decision between Netflix and Paramount in the evolving streaming and filmmaking landscape.
Warner Bros faces a pivotal decision between Netflix and Paramount in the evolving streaming and filmmaking landscape.
The battle for Warner Bros is heating up, with Netflix and Paramount in a high-stakes clash that could redefine the streaming and filmmaking landscape. We break down who currently holds the stronger position and why Warner Bros might favor Netflix’s offer over Paramount’s all-cash bid.
Darren Woolley from TrinityP3 joins us to discuss the role of equity upside, shareholder sentiment, and the realistic chances of a hostile takeover. We also explore how political connections and regulatory scrutiny could shape the outcome of this landmark deal.
Finally, we look at the wider impact on competitors like Disney, Amazon, and Apple, as well as creators, production partners, and exhibitors. Who will ultimately win this battle for one of the most influential studios in modern media?
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
#WarnerBros #Netflix #Paramount #StreamingWars #MediaTakeover #HollywoodDeals #EntertainmentNews #Ticker
SpaceX plans a $25 billion IPO in 2026, potentially valuing the company at over $1 trillion.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is preparing to raise over $25 billion through an initial public offering in 2026. The move could value the space exploration company at over $1 trillion, fueled by its Starlink internet network and Starship rocket programme.
The IPO discussions are underway with major banks, targeting a launch around June or July. This comes as the IPO market experiences a revival after a three-year slowdown, attracting attention from both institutional and retail investors.
SpaceX is currently the second most-valuable private startup after OpenAI. While investors are excited, some remain cautious about Musk’s ability to manage multiple high-profile companies simultaneously.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
#SpaceX #ElonMusk #IPO #Starlink #Starship #TechNews #Investing #Startup
-
Leaders3 days agoH2Pro focuses on affordable green hydrogen
-
Leaders3 days ago
CarbonBlue revolutionises carbon capture and lime production
-
Shows4 days ago
Brisbane’s economic growth and innovation drive 2032 goals
-
Leaders2 days ago
Yosef Farm showcases successful organic farming in the desert
-
Shows4 days ago
Fusion of East and West: A recipe for success
-
Leaders2 days ago
HomeBiogas transforms waste into clean energy in 30,000 homes
-
Shows4 days ago
Victoria’s new granny flat rules spark a modular housing boom
-
News4 days ago
China naval activity raises tensions from Philippines to Galápagos
