[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Media control is tightening in Macau, which China has praised as a model of One Country, Two Systems.
On the 8th, major foreign media reported that two senior journalists from the Portuguese section of Macau's public broadcaster TDM introduced new editorial regulations on the 10th of last month to 25 employees, requiring them to promote patriotism, respect, and love for China.
Macau's English and Portuguese media have operated more flexibly than local Chinese-language media, including coverage of the 2019 anti-China protests in Hong Kong. However, following recent regulations imposed on Hong Kong's public broadcaster RTHK, pressure on Macau's media is also reportedly increasing.
Major foreign media described this as "the first policy directly targeting Portuguese-language media by Macau authorities." At least six journalists resigned from TDM following the announcement.
The Portuguese and English Journalists Association of Macau expressed concern over TDM's new regulations. In particular, the rule stating "Do not relay opinions or information contrary to the policies of the Central Government of China" has sparked controversy.
A Macau media journalist who requested anonymity told major foreign media, "The authorities do not just want neutrality or balance from us. They want us to support the Chinese Communist Party."
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