Press association decries implications for press freedom over broadcaster’s policy

The Macau Portuguese and English Press Association (AIPIM) has expressed solidarity with Portuguese and English journalists following the alleged implementation of new editorial guidelines for the public broadcasters’ newsroom, which if not followed, journalists may be dismissed with just cause.
The latest editorial guidelines stressed that news coverage should promote patriotism, respect and love for the motherland and Macau.
As cited in the statement, the press association expressed its concerns about one of the guidelines, which details that TDM staff are not allowed to “relay information or opinions contrary to the policies of the Central Government of the PRC” and have to support the measures adopted by the SAR.
The AIPIM defended its position towards the statement, noting that such guidelines are not in line with the provisions of paragraph 2 of Article 4 of the Macau Press Law, regarding freedom of the press citing “it is free [to have] the discussion and criticism of social, political and religious doctrines, policies and actions of the governing bodies of the Territory [Region] and of the public administration, as well as the behaviour of its agents.”
Journalists from TDM’s English and Portuguese’s department were called to a meeting on March 10 to be informed of the new guidelines from TDM’s executive board. The guidelines were forwarded to about 40 department employees.
In a report issued by Portuguese paper Tribuna, the journalists were informed that failure to comply with the rules established for the journalists would result in dismissal with just cause – a statement which AIPIM decried.
“AIPIM expresses grave concern about the seriousness of the implications of some aspects mentioned in the […] meeting with regards to the free exercise of journalism and the conditions of journalists to carry out their activity with professionalism and dignity,” the press association wrote.
“These indications generate a climate of uncertainty and fear, which has a very negative impact on the journalists’ work,” it added.
A nine-point set of guidelines were read out to the journalists who attended. The guidelines also noted that “TDM supports the fundamental principle that the Hong Kong SAR is governed by patriots.” This is also a principle proclaimed by Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office chief Xia Baolong last month.
Following the meeting, some 20 journalists signed a petition demanding a meeting with TDM’s executive board to request clarification on the guidelines as it was deemed vague.
The AIPIM statement came following TDM’s statement on Friday that it has not made an overhaul to its current news editing policy, although it did not refer to the controversy.
“[TDM has] not changed its current policy on news coverage,” said the broadcaster in a statement in Chinese.
“As a public broadcaster, TDM will continue to fulfill its social responsibility in the media and adhere to the principle of patriotism and love for Macau. Regarding online speculation and rumours, TDM reserves the right to pursue relevant responsibilities in accordance with the law,” the public broadcaster stated.
The AIPIM stated that it considers TDM’s clarification to be of paramount importance in order to guarantee the full exercise of the journalism profession.
The association also highlights the words of the Chief Executive in regards to guaranteeing freedom of the press, which was reassured in recent meetings with representatives of the media, concluding that such freedom is enshrined in the Basic Law as one of the fundamental rights and duties of residents.
The guidelines were disseminated by the director of the Portuguese channel João Francisco Pinto and adjunct-director Gilberto Lopes during TDM’s March 10 meeting. Both their contracts of appointment have been recently renewed for just six months instead of the usual one-year period.
Portugal’s journalists union, Sindicato dos Jornalistas, came out in support of the AIPIM and TDM journalists with a statement quoted by Lusa News Agency over the weekend.