As a Hong Konger growing up in Hong Kong, as long as I remember reading a newspaper, I was reading Apple Daily. That is the daily routine that I went through. I would go through my father's briefcase, fish out the paper, which was too big for me at the time, and I would kneel on the floor and start reading it. It gave me a concept of what's public policy and what are the politics in Hong Kong. That's when I first knew about certain issues, like the June 4 massacre or fighting for universal suffrage in Hong Kong.
There has been criticism of the journalistic approach of the tabloid, for sure, but it is a very significant part of all our lives as Hong Kongers. Whether or not you like Apple Daily in general, this is the only printed pro-democracy tabloid you have in the city. When there is huge social movement, Apple Daily is always there to talk about the issue and to try to dive into all of the issues.
Growing up as an activist, the journalists from Apple Daily have always been supportive and friends toward the campaigns that a lot of the activists have led. I'd say it's a very important thing.
A lot of the journalists who were from Apple Daily are right now facing unemployment or having difficulties entering the media industry again in other countries.