Dear readers,
“As the situation keeps deteriorating in Hong Kong, we cannot forget about those who, despite the pressure, continue the almost-impossible work of covering stories from within the city.”
Aleksandra Bielakowska of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) paid tribute to local journalists on Friday after Hong Kong received its lowest-ever press freedom score in the NGO’s annual index.
As we mark Saturday’s UN World Press Freedom Day, ahead of HKFP’s 10th anniversary next month, our team of eight are soldiering on as the territory enters the Press Freedom Index “red zone” – meaning a “very serious situation.” We remain on-the-ground despite unprecedented political and financial pressure faced by our newsroom over the past year, amid the backdrop of journalist jailings and a new security law.
In 2024, HKFP saw a deficit for the third year in a row – a record HK$1.7 million gap between our income and spending. We secured savings in office rent, software and insurance, halted advertising, and enacted almost a dozen other cutbacks, in an effort to maintain our headcount and breadth of coverage. But we still, on average, spend around HK$143,000 more than we receive each month.
See also: Explainer: The decline of press freedom under the national security law
Meanwhile, over the past year, we have fought against threats and harassment, scrutiny from multiple government departments, pressure on our corporate partners, and false complaints to the authorities.
Our newsroom has nevertheless continued to invest in award-winning, quality journalism. Last year, we were shortlisted for an International Press Institute Free Media Pioneer award and an RSF Press Freedom Prize, and we won a courage and impact award. And this summer, we will join the Journalism Trust Initiative following an external audit – another credibility hallmark which builds upon our commitment to the Trust Project.
See also: Why you can trust Hong Kong Free Press
Founded in 2015, HKFP’s mission is to be the most credible, impartial and independent news outlet on Hong Kong affairs, and to help safeguard press freedom in the city. We seek to amplify the voices of the voiceless whilst bridging the gap between the Chinese and English languages.
As media plurality continues to shrink, our team is dedicated being the most trusted voice in English-language Hong Kong media. We are the city’s most financially transparent news outlet – sustained by an average of HK$201/month from over 900 monthly Patrons – with 80 per cent of spending going towards paying local journalists.
But press freedom is not free – only 0.3 per cent of our regular readers donate each month to our newsroom.
If you have never supported a news outlet before, please read our Transparency Report and consider backing Team HKFP in 2025. For the price of a weekly coffee, you can help us keep the lights on.
15 Ways to support HKFP’s newsroom in 2025
Donate online via card or PayPal
The most convenient, and preferred, method of donation is by card. One-off or monthly contributions can be made with Visa, Mastercard, or Apple Pay/Google Pay via Stripe on our website: support.hongkongfp.com.
Donate by cheque
Cheques of up to HK$50,000 may be made payable to Hong Kong Free Press Limited and posted – along with your full name and address to: HKFP, The Hive Kennedy Town, 6/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong. [Contributions are confidential – a paper-trail is required for our accountancy records.]
Donate via HSBC PayMe, Pay & Go or Octopus
Scroll down to scan our QR codes and make an HSBC PayMe or Octopus. Please include your full name and email address so we may accept your contribution.
Donate by bank transfer/FPS
For bank transfers, please email a screenshot or phone photo of the receipt/confirmation to us, after you have made arrangements. Supporters may also set up a regular standing order/direct debit with a form from your bank: HSBC, Standard Chartered, or Hang Seng.
Our local HSBC account details:
- Account name: Hong Kong Free Press Limited.
- Account no: 817887532-838
- Bank name: HSBC Hong Kong.
- Bank address: 1 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong.
- Bank code: 004. Branch number: 817. SWIFT address: HSBCHKHHHKH
Contributions are confidential – a paper-trail is required for our internal accountancy records.
Donate spare coins
Hoarding a jar of coins? Donate spare change at Coin Dragon machines around the city.
Donate gear
We welcome contributions of new computer or camera equipment. Please get in touch if you can support us.
Buy HKFP merchandise
Show your support for press freedom with HKFP merchandise.
Advertise with us
Support us and promote your business or cause at the same time. Request our rate card and consider our affordable range of digital marketing solutions.
Donations-in-kind
For HKFP donors who wish to target their contribution, offer financial support indirectly, or who wish to see instant results, our newsroom welcomes donations-in-kind to help cover essential operating costs.
HKFP is powered Patrons – our community of monthly donors.
Why join us as an HKFP Patron?
- 🔎 Transparent & efficient: As a non-profit, we are externally audited each year, publishing our income/outgoings annually, as the city’s most transparent news outlet.
- 🔒 Accurate & accountable: Our reporting is governed by a strict Ethics Code. We are 100% independent, and not answerable to any tycoon, mainland owners or shareholders. Check out our latest Annual Report, and help support press freedom.
- 💰 It’s fast, secure & easy: We accept most payment methods – cancel anytime, and receive a free tote bag and pen if you contribute HK$150/month or more.
