United States: Women Press Freedom Urges WSJ to Reinstate Selina Cheng After Controversial Dismissal

Cheng's firing follows request by supervisor to withdraw from the Hong Kong Journalists Association

Location: United States, New York
Date: July 17, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands in strong solidarity with Selina Cheng, a journalist reporting on China's automobile and energy sectors, who was dismissed by the Wall Street Journal shortly after refusing to resign from her recent appointment as chairperson and renewed executive committee member of the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA). While Dow Jones, the publisher of WSJ, states the dismissal was due to “restructuring,” the timing and circumstances of Cheng’s firing suggest otherwise. Cheng revealed that, approximately three weeks before her dismissal, her UK-based supervisor had urged her to withdraw from the HKJA election, citing potential conflicts of interest. This termination is deeply concerning, especially given the Wall Street Journal's historic awareness of the significance of press freedom, underscored by the cases of their own journalists, Daniel Pearl and Evan Gershkovich. Women Press Freedom urges WSJ to reconsider their decision and reinstate Cheng.

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Cheng, on November 12, initiated a lawsuit against her former employer, challenging what she describes as her “unreasonable” and “unlawful” firing—an unjust dismissal that we previously documented, occurring just weeks after her election as head of HKJA executive committee and her refusal to step down from that position.

The Wall Street Journal’s refusal to reinstate Cheng, citing “redundancy” as a rationale, is deeply troubling in this repressive climate. Her case highlights the urgent need for accountability and support for journalists, especially women, who continue to uphold the principles of free press despite the risks.

Women Press Freedom has consistently documented the pattern of retaliation faced by women journalists in Hong Kong, where press freedoms are increasingly suppressed. Since January 2019, our records show at least 31 documented cases of threats against women journalists in Hong Kong, including eight incidents of obstruction in the field, six of physical assault, and four cases each of online and legal harassment.

We stand firmly in support of Cheng’s pursuit of reinstatement and call on the Wall Street Journal to reconsider their decision. The treatment of journalists, particularly women who face heightened threats, is unacceptable.

On July 17, 2024, seasoned reporter Selina Cheng disclosed she was informed of her job termination from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) as part of a restructuring effort.

Gordon Fairclough, the World Coverage Chief for WSJ, flew into Hong Kong to deliver the news of Cheng's termination, attributing it to the elimination of her role covering the EV industry. 

However, Cheng expressed her belief that the actual motive behind her dismissal was connected to her UK supervisor's recent request, made approximately three weeks prior, for her to withdraw from the election for the chair position at the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) which serves as a trade union for journalists and promotes press freedom.

“I am appalled that the first press conference I’m giving as HKJA’s new chair is to announce that I was fired for taking up this position in a press union,” says Cheng, who was elected as the new chair of HKJA in June.

Despite her dismissal, Cheng affirmed her commitment to her position at the HKJA and expressed her intent to seek new opportunities within the press industry. She emphasized the enduring importance of advocating for press freedom beyond any single job, criticizing WSJ for its negative impact on Hong Kong's press freedom landscape.

“It is obvious to me that the fear and unease the press in Hong Kong have been facing for years now has equally affected the Journal’s management, even though they're far away on different continents,” Cheng adds.

Dow Jones, the publisher of WSJ confirmed that it had implemented "some personnel changes" but declined to provide any specific comments on individual cases.

HKJA condemned WSJ's decision, highlighting the risks posed by pressuring employees to abstain from involvement in the association. 

Cheng's case underscores the challenges faced by journalists in Hong Kong amid increasing restrictions on media freedom and ongoing struggles confronting journalists in the region as Women Press Freedom has documented. After significant political shifts in the city that was once regarded as a stronghold of media freedom in Asia, Hong Kong journalists now find themselves operating within a shrinking environment, further highlighting the critical role of press advocacy organizations like HKJA. Since the introduction of a Beijing-imposed national security law in 2020, two local news outlets known for their critical coverage of the government, Apple Daily and Stand News, were compelled to cease operations following the arrest of their senior management, which included Apple Daily publisher Jimmy Lai.

The Wall Street Journal is no stranger to the grave dangers journalists face. One of its journalists, Evan Gershkovich, was arrested on March 29, 2023, on charges of espionage while working in Yekaterinburg, and has been behind bars since. Daniel Pearl, another reporter with WSJ was killed on assignment in 2002 in Pakistan by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. While some perpetrators have been apprehended or killed, Sheikh remains on death row, allegedly protected by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence Agency, delaying his execution. 

Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Selina Cheng and condemns any actions that undermine the autonomy of journalists and their right to participate in trade unions and press freedom organizations. We call on the Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones to provide a transparent explanation for Cheng's termination and to reaffirm their commitment to supporting press freedom. 

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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