The history of the South China Morning Post: a story that spans 120 years
- The South China Morning Post has evolved with Hong Kong and mainland China since the publishing of its first edition on November 6, 1903
- Here we look at the events that have defined the newspaper over the last 120 years, and the future envisioned by its current CEO
The role of a newspaper is to “tell the truth for the good of humanity”, the South China Morning Post declared in its first edition, which hit the streets of Hong Kong on November 6, 1903.
This bold statement of intent was in keeping with the principles of journalism that were just beginning to take root in the British colony.
Shareholders in the new company were told at their first meeting the aim was to provide “something very much better and more interesting than we have been accustomed to”.
The newspaper would struggle to survive amid financial difficulties in its early years. But that first edition, priced at 10 cents, provides a fascinating snapshot of Hong Kong, a bustling entrepot, and the world at the dawn of the 20th century.
This was the beginning of a story that spans 120 years. The Post has evolved with Hong Kong, reporting on the city’s highs and lows while, from the early days, bringing readers news of mainland China.
“It is just amazing what that means,” said Post CEO Catherine So. “None of us has lived 120 years. For an organisation, it is about the richness of our history and the wisdom we have accumulated and passed from one generation to another.”
