STATEMENT
In view of the recent news articles published in the local press regarding the implementation of new editorial guidelines for the Portuguese and English newsrooms of TDM, which were transmitted to TDM journalists at a meeting that took place on March 10, the Macau Portuguese and English Press Association (AIPIM) would like to express the following:
1- Respecting the autonomy of each media in defining the editorial line of their company and taking into account the nature of TDM's public service and the concerns expressed by members of our association, AIPIM expresses grave concern about the seriousness of the implications of some aspects mentioned in the above-mentioned meeting with regards to the free exercise of journalism and the conditions of journalists to carry out their activity with professionalism and dignity.
2- In particular, we are very concerned by one of the guidelines transmitted in the same meeting, 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 MSAR.
2.1 Expressed in the above-mentioned way, this point is not in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2 of Article 4 of the Macau Press Law, regarding freedom of the press, according to which “it is free 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".
2.2 On the other hand, the point in question is of particular concern as it conflicts with informative pluralism and the search for the different views - basic principles of the professional activity of journalist.
2.3 In addition, these indications generate a climate of uncertainty and fear, which has a very negative impact on the journalists’ work.
2.4 Finally, this same point may conflict with the second paragraph of point 3. of the TDM Editorial Handbook, according to which: “The rule of two sources must be strictly applied by [our] journalists when they broadcast a news story or important information ”, something that is, per se, a constant rule of the journalists' code of ethics.
3- According to what was reported, a reference was made at the meeting that failure to comply with the rules transmitted to the journalists would result in dismissal with just cause. If such an approach is confirmed, we believe it to be unjustifiable and unacceptable.
4- In view of what has been reported, AIPIM considers that clarification by TDM is of paramount importance in order to guarantee the full exercise of the profession of journalism and to ensure a stable and harmonious work environment.
5- AIPIM has as one of its primary missions, according to its Statutes, "Defending and promoting the free exercise of the professional activity of its members".
6- AIPIM values and praises the quality of the work of journalists from TDM's Portuguese and English news services.
7- AIPIM expresses its solidarity with our professional colleagues from TDM's Portuguese and English services, who deserve respect, consideration and support.
8- AIPIM highlights the words of the Chief Executive in regards to guaranteeing freedom of the press, something reassured in recent meetings with representatives of the media.
9- Freedom of the press is enshrined in the Basic Law as one of the fundamental rights and duties of residents.
10- Freedom of the press is a very important component in the practice of the One Country Two Systems policy, a principle we highly cherish.
Macau, March 12, 2021.
AIPIM’s Board of Directors
AIPIM representatives meet new Government Information Bureau Director
Representatives of the Governing bodies of the Macau Portuguese and English Press Association (AIPIM) held a meeting today (July 23) with the new director of the Government Information Bureau(GCS), Inês Chan, where we addressed a number of issues of relevance for our members and the overall journalistic community, with an emphasis on the importance of upholding press freedom, the need to improve access to information and the quality of the translations provided as well as the need to establish a recognition system and access to information for online news media.
23/07/2020
AIPIM Board of Directors
AIPIM donates food to Caritas Macau following Covid-19 fundraising campaign
The Macau Portuguese and English Press Association (AIPIM) delivered food items to Caritas Macau this afternoon that it acquired with the funds from the solidarity campaign it launched in recent weeks. During the campaign that ran from June 12th to July 9th, 23,600 patacas were raised. In addition to the contribution from AIPIM members and AIPIM's funds, the Macau Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility in Greater China in Macau joined this initiative with a 7,500 pataca donation.
With the funds raised, AIPIM acquired food items - rice and canned food - which were handed over to Caritas Macau to assist the families of citizens (residents and non-residents) that the NGO has been supporting in this period of crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
AIPIM expresses its deepest gratitude to all those who participated in this solidarity initiative: AIPIM members, members of the Macau Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility in Greater China in Macau, to the other citizens who were involved in the campaign, and particularly to Caritas Macau, in the person of tireless secretary-general Paul Pun, with whom we coordinated this initiative.
Macau, 11 July 2020
AIPIM Board