Anti-China media 'Bin Gwa Ilbo' faces management crisis... stops print publication after 18 years

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The Taiwan Apple Daily, known for its anti-China stance, has ceased its print publication after 18 years due to worsening management conditions.

On the 18th, Hong Kong Apple Daily reported, "Taiwan Apple Daily announced that it will stop its print publication after the issue dated the 17th, due to deteriorating management amid China's crackdown on Hong Kong and the changing media environment." It added, "A line of readers eager to purchase the final print edition of Taiwan Apple Daily continued."

In its final print edition, Taiwan Apple Daily expressed gratitude to its readers and stated, "We will uphold the values of Apple Daily and improve the quality of our online content." With the cessation of print publication, 326 employees, including printing department staff and some senior reporters, left the company.

Apple Daily is published in both Hong Kong and Taiwan. Taiwan Apple Daily had been published since 2003.

Hong Kong Apple Daily is also facing a crisis. On the 15th, Hong Kong Apple Daily announced that if Taiwan Apple Daily's management does not improve or additional financial support is not provided, it only has enough funds to last about 9 to 10 months.

Jimmy Lai, the owner of Apple Daily and a prominent anti-China figure, is currently serving a 14-month prison sentence for participating in illegal assemblies, and his assets have been frozen. He holds a 70% stake in Next Digital, the parent company of Apple Daily, and is its largest investor.

Pro-China figures such as former Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and pro-China media outlets like Ta Kung Pao have argued that if Apple Daily poses a threat to national security, it should be shut down.