For many journalists in Hong Kong, the past November was a very unfortunate month. Many major mass media organizations laid off staff to solve company problems, forcing many journalists, including a number of senior colleagues, to leave their posts.

Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) strongly opposes the local mass media’s use of layoffs to solve operational problems caused by the global financial tsunami. In addition, even though the aim is to increase income and reduce expenditures, only as a last resort should the administrators of mass media consider the following options: cutting salaries, short or long no-pay leave, keeping the position with no-pay, etc.,

In Membership, Training and Welfare affairs, under the auspices of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), HKJA held a workshop on “Great Breaking News” on Nov. 28 (Saturday) Dozens of HKJA members and HK press colleagues attended this workshop. The occasion was lively.

At the Dec. 6 (Saturday)’s evening, HKJA has hold a “Financial Tsunami Workshop” to explain how seriously the “Global Financial Tsunami” may influence HK economy and the future of our media industry.

On Dec. 20 (Saturday) evening, HKJA will also co-host a meeting with officials of Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of HK, to explain and discuss possible problems of corruption involving local journalists in the course of reporting.

Our Press Freedom Sub-Committee is studying the “Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance” (Consultation Paper) of HK SAR Government, and, wish completes a statement and/or admission before the ending date of consultation.

Our International Relations Sub-Committee is studying how to co-organize an international seminar with the East-West Center of University of Hawaii in 2010.

On China matters, HKJA is planning a tour visit to Taiwan, with the assistance of Taiwan officials. How to build up relations with mass media of HK’s neighboring areas are still being finalized.

Even though many accidents were happened during the editing and printing process, our Editorial Board can still complete all the process of the latest issue of “The Journalists”, before the long vacation of Christmas of this year. HKJA will mail this latest issue to our members as soon as possible, to let our members understand the latest changes in our media industry.

Camoes Tam Chi Keung, HKJA Chairperson (2008-09)