The South China Morning Post (SCMP) is a daily newspaper published in English and Chinese in Hong Kong. Founded in 1903, the newspaper has a long history of reporting on local and regional news and is widely recognized as a leading English-language newspaper in Asia. In this article, we will explore the history of SCMP, its editorial stance, and coverage, its influence in Hong Kong and the region, as well as some of the criticisms and controversies surrounding the newspaper.

History of SCMP

SCMP was founded in 1903 by Tse Tsan-tai and Alfred Cunningham, two businessmen who believed that Hong Kong needed a newspaper that could represent the views of the Chinese community. The newspaper was initially called the South China Morning Post and Shipping Gazette, and its primary focus was on shipping news and trade information.

Over the years, SCMP expanded its coverage to include local and regional news and gained a reputation as a reliable source of information for both local and international readers. In 1949, the newspaper was bought by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, and in 1987, it was sold to Malaysian businessman Robert Kuok.

In 1993, SCMP became the first newspaper in Hong Kong to be published in both English and Chinese, a move that helped to increase its readership and influence in the region. In 2016, the newspaper was acquired by Alibaba Group’s media arm, China Literature Limited.

Editorial Stance and Coverage

SCMP is known for its moderate editorial stance, and its coverage of local and regional news, business, politics, and culture. The newspaper’s editorial team is made up of experienced journalists and editors who are dedicated to providing accurate, unbiased, and informative news to its readers.

SCMP’s coverage of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement in 2019 drew international attention and praise for its in-depth reporting and analysis. The newspaper’s journalists provided comprehensive coverage of the protests and their aftermath, and their reporting was widely cited by international media outlets.

In addition to its coverage of local and regional news, SCMP also provides analysis and commentary on international events, with a focus on China and the Asia-Pacific region. The newspaper’s coverage of China is often critical but fair, and its analysis is based on facts and evidence rather than speculation or rumors.

Influence of SCMP

As a leading English-language newspaper in Asia, SCMP has significant influence in Hong Kong and the region. The newspaper’s reputation for accuracy and impartiality has helped to establish it as a trusted source of news and information for both local and international readers.

SCMP’s coverage of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement in 2019 played a significant role in shaping international perceptions of the protests and their implications for Hong Kong’s future. The newspaper’s journalists provided detailed and insightful reporting on the events unfolding in the city, and their reporting was widely cited by international media outlets.

SCMP’s influence extends beyond its reporting on local and regional news, and the newspaper has played a key role in shaping public opinion on a range of issues, from politics and business to culture and the arts. Its coverage of these topics has helped to promote debate and discussion in Hong Kong and the region and has contributed to the development of a vibrant and dynamic intellectual culture.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its reputation for accuracy and impartiality, SCMP has not been immune to criticism and controversy. One of the main criticisms of the newspaper is its ownership by China Literature Limited, a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, which has raised concerns about the newspaper’s independence and its ability to report on sensitive issues related to China.

SCMP has also faced criticism for its coverage of sensitive topics, such as the 2014 Umbrella Movement and the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Some critics have accused the newspaper of bias and of taking sides in these issues, while others have praised its reporting for its depth and accuracy.

In 2020, SCMP faced criticism from some readers for its coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some accusing the newspaper of being overly critical of China’s handling of the outbreak. Others defended the newspaper’s reporting, arguing that it was based on facts and evidence and that the newspaper had a duty to report on the pandemic in an objective and impartial manner.

Despite these criticisms, SCMP remains one of the most respected and influential newspapers in Asia, and its commitment to accurate and impartial reporting has helped to establish it as a trusted source of news and information for readers both in Hong Kong and around the world.

Conclusion

The South China Morning Post is a daily newspaper published in English and Chinese in Hong Kong. Founded in 1903, the newspaper has a long history of reporting on local and regional news and is widely recognized as a leading English-language newspaper in Asia. SCMP’s moderate editorial stance, its coverage of local and regional news, and its commitment to accuracy and impartiality have helped to establish it as a trusted source of news and information for readers both in Hong Kong and around the world.