大專院校新聞與傳播院系聯合聲明 (06/09/2012)

對亞洲電視《ATV焦點》在九月三日及四日晚上播放的節目內容，觸發大量市民投訴及反對，我們深表關注。

大氣電波屬於公眾，故廣播機構有別於報章，須申領牌照及符合規管制度。在牌照制度下得到大氣電波使用權的機構，不應公器私用。廣播機構應遵守節目守則，新聞報道要準確持平。廣播機構透過個人意見節目評論時事，要力求觀點平衡，及以盡量全面的資訊和事實為根據，不應對任何人進行抺黑和污衊。

我們認為《 ATV 焦點》在九月三日及四日播放的節目內容偏頗。九月三日播放的內容，更在缺乏充分事實根據下，使用人身攻擊的字眼。此舉違反傳媒機構應有的專業態度。我們要求亞洲電視進一步澄清公眾關注的問題，及在往後同類型的意見節目中包容不同的觀點。

我們對現今香港的新聞自由前景和傳媒生態感到憂慮。我們呼籲新聞機構履行社會責任，捍衛新聞及言論自由，本著客觀態度和求真精神報道社會議題，並監督政府施政。

我們亦對在艱難時刻仍然堅守專業精神的新聞工作者致意，期望他們繼續忠於原則，履行新聞工作者的職責。

聯署者（筆劃序）：

恒生管理學院傳播學院
香港中文大學新聞與傳播學院
香港城市大學媒體與傳播系
香港浸會大學傳理學院
香港樹仁大學新聞與傳播學系
珠海學院新聞及傳播學系

2012年9月6日

傳媒查詢：梁麗霞小姐（電話：3943 7681）

Joint Statement Issued by Tertiary Education Institutions of Journalism and Communication

We are deeply concerned about the content of two ATV Focus episodes broadcast by Asia Television Ltd. on September 3 and 4, which has created a big public outcry.

The airwaves are public property. This is why, unlike newspapers, broadcasters are subject to a system of licensing and regulation. Media organizations that acquire the right to utilize part of the airwaves to broadcast should not abuse the public property for private purposes. Broadcasting organizations should adhere to the programming standards. News reporting should be accurate and fair. When broadcasting organizations produce commentaries on public affairs through personal view programs, they should also attempt to include various viewpoints. The opinions expressed should be based on a comprehensive grasp of the facts involved. Media organizations should not smear any social groups or individuals.

We think the episodes of ATV Focus aired on September 3 and 4 are biased. The episode on September 3, in particular, used terms that constituted unsubstantiated personal attacks. These acts contravene the professional attitude that media organizations should have. We request that Asia Television Ltd. publicly answer the questions raised by the public, and ensure that a diverse range of viewpoints will be included in their public affairs programs in the future.

We are worried about the current status of press freedom and the media landscape in Hong Kong. We urge news organizations to uphold their social responsibility, defend freedom of speech and of the press, report on important social and political issues objectively and truthfully, and monitor the government’s actions and policies.

Lastly, we salute the journalists who adhere to their professionalism in difficult times. We hope they will continue to abide by their principles and fulfill the important social roles of journalism.

Jointly issued by (by alphabetical order):

Department of Journalism and Communication, Chu Hai College of Higher Education
Department of Journalism and Communication, Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong
School of Communication, Hang Seng Management College
School of Communication, Hong Kong Baptist University
School of Journalism and Communication, The Chinese University of Hong Kong