Frank Ching's last column in the SCMP

[Cho-man]

I notice that the regular column on the SCMP by Frank Ching is over. In today's column, Ching state that this wil be his last.

Since coming to HK, I have enjoyed reading his opinion piece. While not always agreeing with his view, it was always interesting reading.

Just curious whether he is retiring, moving to another paper or forced out?

[dumbdonkey]

he's not the only one leaving
Putsch of Columnists at Hong Kong’s paper of record - Asia Sentinel | Asia Sentinel

they will soon rename this crappy paper to People's Daily - Bastard Edition.

[Cwbguy]

28 years with the paper, and all he gets is a couple of lines goodbye. Pretty shameful really.

Like Lai See a few weeks ago, he was probably told he was "too old" to continue.

[Ern]

Wholesale clear out time. I wonder which direction this is going?

RTHK English News

[drumbrake]

Wholesale clear out time. I wonder which direction this is going?

RTHK English News

The Sunday Post alternates on the back page with Philip Bowring and Regina Ip. Does this mean that in future we'll just have Regina, plus another pro-government writer?

Although apparently there is a new publication starting soon: new publication If it can attract writers of that quality, then it should do OK at least for the first few months.

[East_coast]

Recent casualties
- Howard Winn
- Philip Bowring
- Kevin Rafferty
- Stephen Vines
- Frank Ching

Who's next (the opinion piece writers who are sometimes off message)
- Jake Van Der Kamp
- Peter Kammerer (dull as...)
- Richard Wong
- Albert Cheng
- is that it?

My money is on Taipan to go next

[jimbo]

More info here for you guys

SCMP ditches 4 veteran columnists, including 3 government critics: Shanghaiist

[East_coast]

Hemlock has a view

More censorship, or something, at the SCMP | Big Lychee, Various Sectors

[Oldtimer]

Stephen Vines last column in SCMP
Loyalty to the motherland is proved by deeds, not words | South China Morning Post

[Cho-man]

I can't really see how Frank Ching's column can be regarded as subversive to be honest. He doesn't really toe the government line, but he could hardly be regarded as a radical anti-establishment person either. His admonishment of the government (or Beijing for that matter) has always been rather mild. If even he is regarded as someone the pro-establishment can't stand, there really is no point for the SCMP to still pretend to allow for a diversity of opinions, is there?