TVB seeks injunction to stop attacks, denies bias

TVB says it rejects any accusations of bias. Image: Shutterstock

Hong Kong's largest private-sector broadcaster, TVB, says it is seeking an injunction to prevent people from attacking its journalists and property.



The station said the injunction was needed because it had been targeted since the start of the protest movement, with cameras and vehicles being damaged and staff attacked. Some protesters have accused it of pro-Beijing bias in its news coverage and called for a boycott.



"Since emergence of recent social movements to oppose the government’s Extradition Bill, TVB regrets that there have been unfounded allegations of bias in TVB news, which has led to a boycott campaign being launched through various social media against TVB with a view to cause economic harm to it," the company said in a statement posted on its website.



"There are also attacks of TVB news crew and damages to its news vehicles and cameras.



"While TVB does not accept that there is any truth in the allegations against its news reporting, it respects the freedom of expression."



In June, TVB said one of its cameramen was injured during clashes outside the Legislative Council complex in Admiralty.



Later that month, a group of protesters surrounded a TVB cameraman, shouted slogans and harassed him, alleging the network's coverage was biased. The Hong Kong Journalists Association condemned the incident.



The High Court is expected to hear the application on Friday. The injunction is addressed to "persons unlawfully and willfully" damaging TVB's property or injuring its employees.