HK’s Apple Daily Ending Publication After 26 Years in the Market

Have you been scrolling through your socials lately and the term “Apple Daily” has been appearing frequently?

No idea what the heck is going on? It’s ok, I’ve got you covered.

Founded by Jimmy Lai in 1995, Apple Daily is a Hong Kong tabloid-style newspaper. The paper publishes print and digital editions in Mandarin, in addition to a digital-only English copy.

The tabloid has been on the run for 26 years. Its rise in popularity was due to its pro-democracy content with juicy celebrity gossips and investigations of authoritative figures.

Just loads of polarising info.

But this might be ending soon. Very soon.

Apple Daily to end publication by June 26

Today (23 June), jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai said that Apple Daily newspaper will seize to a closure no later than Saturday.

He cited “prevailing circumstances in the city” as reasons for the halt in publication.

Cable TV and Now TV reported the paper’s last edition may be published as soon as Thursday.

That’s tomorrow. Fast.

With Apple Daily exiting the market, there has also been an uproar over media law and ethics in the Chinese-ruled city.

Assets have been frozen

Last week, police raided Next Media’s headquarters (Apple Daily‘s parent company)and hunted its newsroom with an unprecedented warrant.

Journalistic materials, including the computers of roughly 40 journalists, have been confiscated. Police also froze assets of companies associated with the newspaper.

Five of the top management staff have also been arrested. Since then, Apple Daily‘s workforce has shrunk to almost half.

So you may ask, why all the drastic hoo-ha?

Well, dozens of Apple Daily articles are currently suspected of violating the relatively new national security law. This has been the first instance where authorities pinpoint an infringement on this legislation.

They Pledged to Continue Publications Just Last Week

Just last Thursday (17 June) though, Apple Daily has pledged to continue publications.

It initially appeared that the police raid has done nothing to demoralise them. Staff remained defiant and strong-headed against the authorities’ accusations.

Apple Daily also swore that they will stay grounded with their duties, and “press on till the end to see the arrival of dawn”.

And at the bottom of the front page, “we must press on” were printed in yellow colour.

It’s specifically yellow since the colour is associated with the pro-democracy movement.

Due to its growing demand, the print run even increased more than fivefold its usual count of about 80,000.

Featured Image: Lewis Tse Pui Lung / Shutterstock.com