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Independent Media in Macao

In recent years, Macao's independent media have sprung up. Independent media can put forward viewpoints different from traditional media (or mainstream media) in news reporting. The characteristic of "daring to say" have made people shift their focus from traditional media to independent media. "Macau Concealers" and "All About Macau Media" are the more influential independent media now. So how do these media develop steadily in Macao?

Independent media, one type of alternative media, is supposed to be free of influence by government or corporate interests; as an independent operation, it is edited independently and with the initiative in media's own hands, and operated mostly in the form of websites nowadays.

"Macau Concealers" and "All About Macau Media" have been in operation in 2013
and 2012 respectively, however, they had low public awareness and influence at that time. It was in the event of the "Against the Bill of Greed and Privileges" which happened in late May 2014, the two media played an important role. They gradually exerted a certain influence in the city.

"Macau Concealers" mainly publishes news through social platform Facebook, which has followers exceeding 100,000 people. Shared resources with the political association "New Macao Association", a known local opposition, it claims to be edited independently. An intern reporter, Summer Ng said: "The characteristics of 'Macau Concealers' is not influenced by mainstream opinions, it pays attention to Macao's livelihood and social issues. There is no self-censorship in new reporting. Which is worthy of public attention, it will report truthfully." In the event of "Anti-extradition law" in Hong Kong, "Macau Concealers" reported news stories that differed from the standpoint of the mainstream media.

Some netizens indicated that the standpoint of "Macau Concealers" is too radical. Summer said: "Every media will have a standpoint, and everyone has different standards of 'neutrality'. 'Macau Concealers' can provide the public with one more viewpoint to see the issues."

The operation of "All About Macau Media" is relatively more stable with news release and quality news articles. It publishes news stories through an online platform and monthly journal in print. Reporting on Macao's livelihood affairs, from breaking news to feature news, it claims that "independence, righteousness, conscience and diversity" is the values it adheres.

The most difficult factor for the independent media operation is the source of funds. "All About Macau Media" has no stable economic source. It relies on reader donations and a small amount from advertisements. The organization even held a public fundraising in 2016. "Macau Concealers" relies on the financial support of the "New Macao Association", however, it still needs public donations and advertising to survive, according to an official source. Thus, the key to the survival of independent media lies in readers' support.

Mainstream media certainly shoulder the responsibility of disseminating news, but news needs to be viewed from multiple perspectives. The society cannot have only one voice. Independent media can play the role of monitoring the government, also help various groups make their voices heard. Freedom of the press requires the joint efforts of the media and the public including independent media.