FactWire
| Company type | Non-profit news organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Investigative journalism, News agency |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Kowloon , Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong |
| Products | Investigative news reports |
| Website | factwire |
FactWire () operated as an investigative news agency headquartered in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Established in 2015 through crowdfunding efforts backed by 3,300 Hong Kong citizens, it officially commenced activities on 1 March 2016 as a non-profit news organization dedicated to public service. FactWire focused primarily on investigative journalism serving as a watchdog, providing reports to numerous leading news platforms across Hong Kong. The agency discontinued its operations in 2022.
History
FactWire’s crowdfunding initiative surpassed its initial goal of HK$3 million, successfully raising HK$4.75 million via FringeBacker.
Exposé on Train Quality
In July 2016, FactWire uncovered the undisclosed recall of MRT C151A trains by manufacturer CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co., Ltd. due to significant quality concerns, including underframe fractures that compromised structural safety. The investigation documented the covert return shipment of trains to the CSR Sifang facility in Qingdao and disclosed that Hong Kong’s Transport and Housing Bureau had been aware of these defects since early 2015. Nevertheless, in July 2015, MTR Corporation proceeded to award a HK$6 billion contract for 93 new trains to CSR Sifang.
Singapore’s Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan downplayed the cracks as typical wear and accused FactWire of inciting Sinophobia, suggesting the report was intended to create obstacles for mainland China. He cautioned that publicizing the issue might cause unnecessary alarm. The Land Transport Authority attributed the cracks to material impurities but assured the public about train safety. FactWire issued an open letter rebuking Khaw for evading accountability and reiterated its commitment to impartial, evidence-based reporting.
Following these disclosures, FactWire received anonymous threats and detected suspicious activities near its confidential office location. The warnings alluded to potential repercussions connected to the subway train investigation. Despite these intimidations, FactWire maintained its dedication to truthful and unbiased journalism. Hong Kong has witnessed a rise in violence targeting journalists in recent years, including assaults on media personnel and organizations.
Taishan Nuclear Power Plant Defects Investigation
In December 2017, FactWire exposed cracks found in critical reactor parts at the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant, highlighting a flawed reactor vessel head designed for seven years of operation. The boiler exhibited fractures during testing, with welding described as "problematic." FactWire questioned how the plant received approval to operate amid such defects and raised concerns about potential hazards for nearby populations. On June 29, 2018, Taishan Unit 1 was connected to the power grid and officially began commercial operation on December 13, 2018, becoming the first EPR reactor in commercial use. CGN Power, the principal stakeholder, did not provide responses to inquiries.
Closure
FactWire abruptly ended its operations on 10 June 2022, posting on its website: "It is time for us to bid you farewell" alongside "Termination of Operations. Thank you for your support." The announcement referenced shifts in the media environment but did not elaborate on specific reasons behind the shutdown. Reports indicated that the website had been hacked a month earlier, compromising data belonging to approximately 3,700 subscribers.
SOPA Awards 2020
| Award Category | Recognition Level | Entry Title |
|---|---|---|
| Excellence in Investigative Reporting
(卓越調查報道獎) |
Honorable Mention | Did anyone actually perish in Prince Edward MTR on August 31? |
| SOPA Award for Public Service Journalism
(亞洲出版業協會公共服務新聞大獎) |
Finalist | 追擊反修例風波的假資訊
Monitoring misinformation during the Anti-Extradition Bill protests |
2020 Human Rights Press Awards
| Award Category | Entry Title |
|---|---|
|
Investigative Feature Writing (Chinese) Merit Award 調查專題 中文 優異奬 |
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See also
- Hong Kong Free Press – an English-language news platform supported by crowdfunding