"We do not have the responsibility to ask the media not to do something, but we have the responsibility to make way for the public to complain, to resume justice and exercise their rights," association committee member Carol Lai Pui-Yee said.
The Hong Kong News Executives' Association, which has shown little enthusiasm in the setting up of an external watchdog, said they would not oppose the idea of a media council provided that media representatives were to play a role in it.
"The proposed media council is but only one possible short-term means to redress media excesses," executive committee member Raymond Wong said.
Association Chairman Renald Chiu Ying-Chun, on the other hand, maintains that self-discipline is more importante.
While no decision has been reached, the idea is waxing strong.
As Ms. Cheung has put it: "Even if the idea is rejected at the end of the day, we will be able to have a thorough debate on what's the best way forward." (8)
