Journalist Selina Cheng Fired by WSJ After Election as HKJA Chair Amid Press Freedom Concerns

Selina Cheng, recently elected as chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), disclosed in a press briefing that she was terminated from her position at The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) after refusing her supervisor’s directive to withdraw from the election for HKJA leadership.

Cheng asserted that while she was informed her job was eliminated due to restructuring, she believes the true reason was her supervisor’s objection to her involvement with the HKJA, a journalist trade union advocating for press freedom in Hong Kong.

Cheng, who had served on the HKJA’s board since 2021, described how her supervisor also pressured her to resign from the board, warning that her involvement could conflict with her role at WSJ. Despite these pressures, Cheng proceeded with her candidacy and was elected as chair in June, only to face termination shortly thereafter.

Dow Jones, the publisher of WSJ, acknowledged personnel changes but declined to comment on individual cases. They emphasized their ongoing commitment to press freedom globally, including in Hong Kong, where media freedom has been increasingly constrained following political changes and the imposition of national security laws.

Hong Kong’s media landscape has faced significant challenges since the introduction of a Beijing-imposed national security law in 2020. This law has led to the closure of critical news outlets and heightened concerns among journalists regarding the erosion of press freedom.

The HKJA itself has been criticized by local authorities and pro-Beijing media, further complicating the environment for independent journalism.

Cheng’s case underscores broader fears about the decline of press freedom in Hong Kong, with international media organizations like WSJ facing scrutiny and pressure. The incident has sparked criticism both locally and internationally, highlighting concerns over the ability of journalists to operate freely and independently in the region.

Cheng’s termination and subsequent statements have reignited discussions about the challenges facing journalists in Hong Kong and the broader implications for media freedom in the region, as international outlets navigate political sensitivities and legal constraints.