-4A
B
A
6.
While the Applicant may be the largest association of
B
journalists in Hong Kong, it is not the only one. Not all journalists in
C
C
Hong Kong and, in particular, not all journalists of online media in
D
E
Hong Kong, are required to be, or are in fact, members of the Applicant.
Other trade associations that have been mentioned in the evidence include
D
E
the News Executive Association and the Hong Kong Federation of
F
F
Journalists.
G
G
7.
H
I
J
K
In order for media and journalists to have direct access to
Government news and press events, they have to register with and
subscribe to the GNMIS maintained by the Information Services
Department (“ISD”). It is a platform integrating all government press
releases, fax broadcasts, photographs and video clips for media access
around the clock. The Government issues invitations and press notices
H
I
J
K
via GNMIS. Upon receipt of such invitations, subscribers may register
L
M
for the events. Where the ISD has designated a press area in particular
functions, only journalists who have been invited to and successfully
L
M
registered for the events via the GNMIS are allowed entry to that area.
N
O
N
8.
The Applicant says that the Government’s policies have not
O
kept up with changing circumstances because these arrangements are
P
Q
R
S
only available to traditional media (newspapers, radio and television
stations) but not Internet media.
9.
Q
In fact queries have been raised over the Government’s
relevant policies since 2012.
P
In 2012 the Applicant asked the
R
S
Government to change its policy to give Internet media access to GNMIS
T
U
V
based on a system of accreditation.
In January 2014, the Hon
Charles Mok (a member of the Legislative Council) asked the Secretary a
T
U
V