WSJ Cuts Hong Kong Editorial Staff, Expands Singapore Team
The Wall Street Journal has announced major changes to its Asia operations, including staff cuts at its Hong Kong bureau and a shift in focus to Singapore. Editor-in-chief Emma Tucker revealed in a memo that the newspaper is following the path of many companies it covers, as it adapts to the changing business landscape in the region.
The cuts affect six editorial staff in Hong Kong and two reporters in Singapore, according to sources familiar with the matter. Tucker’s memo also outlined several new positions in Singapore, including an editor and reporters, as part of the creation of a new business, finance, and economics group.
This group will focus on major financial stories in Asia, such as China’s electric vehicle industry, the chip war, China’s economic challenges, Hong Kong’s struggling finance industry, and China’s property market downturn.
The decision comes amid a series of challenges faced by Hong Kong in recent years, from the strict restrictions during the pandemic, the imposition of a national security law, and China’s economic slowdown. These factors have led to the departure of numerous international companies and a significant number of expatriate and local residents from the city.
Hong Kong’s media industry has also been impacted by these changes, with several local independent news outlets shuttering under political pressure and international media shifting editorial positions to other cities in the region.
The city’s ranking in Reporters without Borders’ media freedom index has fallen to 135 out of 180 countries and territories, reflecting the deteriorating conditions for journalists in the once-thriving media hub.
Information for this story was found via Al Jazeera, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
