The news industry
is probably the only one outside of movies
where stories are written and seen every day.
Two years ago, I took a 29-hour flight
from the southern to the northern hemisphere,
joining into this business of inflating stories
or inventing stories where none exist.
We haven't been introduced. I'm Mallory.
But I bet you'll call me Ah Mal.
Not all reporters like making things up.
At Smart Post,
a paper on the verge of collapse,
some still keep serious journalism alive.
If you know you're right, keep at it.
Don't weigh the cost. Write what must be written.
They say normal folks need to see hope in order to persevere,
but the crazy believe perseverance is what brings hope.
I think my boss...
Fong Ying, Hong Kong news programming head.
Fai Ye
Kenny
and I,
The four of us at Smart Post are truly mad.
But sometimes I think
the craziest one is our chief editor.
You can call me Alma Wong.
Try to get the attacker's face!
Get the surroundings! And my wounds!
Will we do anything
to get the news?
But you're Heen's friend,
so are you putting your name on the piece?
Of course! I need the recognition.
Heen!
Perhaps we all have things
we can't let go.
Throwing everything away,
just to accomplish one thing
that only you value,
isn't that stupid?
Not everyone has so much time to spend.
When I thought I'd found a job
for life,
I should have first considered
how much I could sacrifice.
A London-bound flight crashed on takeoff.
It was at 1:36.
I think our chief was on that flight.
For a moment,
we thought our chief's time
was up, too.
But it turned out she made a last-minute change
and flew to the US with her ex-husband.
Kenny was gone. The chief took off.
Leaving just us three to keep Smart Post alive.
Hey, boss!
Wow, how did you know I was hungry?
Why not just show up even later?
What, I had to find a parking spot.
Here's your noodles.
You already ordered take-out?
After standing all morning,
I'll need two to feel full.
I've got an update. Sentencing won't be for a while.
Tough luck as a first assignment,
just waiting around.
That's alright.
"Channel C99 Recording Studio 10"
Morning, Mr. Ko. I'll be directing today.
Thanks for coming. Have a seat.
We'll be doing this in two parts.
The first will be about what drew you to your profession.
Huh. "Starvation in the Sudan"
What's that?
- Hey, photojournalist, - What?
Shoot or save, which comes first?
"Famine in Sudan, 22 Years Ago"
Can't I shoot and then rescue?
Why don't you eat first, then shoot.
Are you both ready?
Ready.
Okay, prepare to roll.
We're ready, Mr. Ko.
"Incoming Voicemail from Husband"
Thank you for tuning into VIP Weekly.
We're delighted today to bring
recent top-ten young industrialist award recipient,
Mr. Ko Kin Yan, here to share some words.
Greetings, Mr. Ko.
You want this?
I'll have a look,
I'll return it when I'm done.
Look out!
Look at that crowd.
Looks like a bad accident.
You're out of your mind!
Little girl, are you okay?
Baby, are you alright?
Thank you.
Zhong Kai Qi!
- Lots of free time? - No.
Nothing to do?
Okay, I'm headed back now.
Jong called, wants me to go back.
If you get anything, send it over.
- I'll call it in. - Okay.
"Smart Post office"
You're so hungry. On medication again?
Got one for you, too.
I'm fine.
Then I'll eat it.
Flash News went live today.
At 6am, their first online piece got
250,000 views in the first few hours.
Here at Smart Post,
24,000. Why?
First article: "Fat Woman, Old Man Make Out in Public"
Second: "Expert Upskirt Shooter Shares Secrets"
That's not news.
If you can hack it,
using your own style to beat their click rate,
then I'll shut right up.
Print is almost dead.
These days, all media is moving online.
It used to be you had time
to craft a story.
But now?
It's a war, with everyone, at every second.
Know why I had you be interim chief for two years,
but never let you have this office?
Because I felt you weren't ever hungry.
In media, you have to be hungry.
Hunger makes you fight for it.
Mr. Liu sent this last night.
I was going to send it around this morning,
wait for responses by 9pm,
see who'd leave on their own.
I talked until I was blue in the face,
swore up and down that I'd get results.
That only bought me one more week.
He said if Smart Post can't keep up,
he'll just shut it down.
Leaving only Durian News as worth keeping.
If you really want to help Smart Post,
hit rate.
Get that hit rate back up.
If nothing else, do it for me.
Otherwise,
Either the asthma will kill me
or the medication will.
C99 is reporting an explosion at their studio.
Go ahead.
Hey,
stay hung FY-
Sa-Sa, go check out that studio.
Chung...
- Hey, I'm giving your assignments. - Sorry.
Would you cool it with the phone addiction?
Fai Ye will be back with footage.
Upload it when it's ready.
I want the first notice on my phone in five.
"Lai Chi Kok accident scene"
The driver's name is Chim Shui Wah.
Female, 50 years old.
Sorry, sorry.
I'm really sorry. Your arm,
do you need it looked at?
No, it's not that serious.
Really? I'm really sorry.
It's not like you meant it.
But it is my fault.
It's fine. Um, I haven't seen you before.
Zhong Kai Qi.
Guangzhou-Jinan University exchange student,
interning for Flash News.
Mak Hiu Yan.
Pleased to meet you.
Honey,
I don't want to wait anymore.
I must do something for our daughter.
I know you're always worried about me.
Worst case, I die.
Even better. Then I could see her.
I'm so sorry, my dear.
I promised I'd take care of you forever,
but I might not be able to.
Take care.
Fai Ye, what's up?
Check this number for me.
56423210
Okay, I'll get back to you.
Who else is in the field?
Winnie's in Kwun Tong.
Have her pay the phone bill.
- I’m off to the hospital. - Right.
Watch yourself, call if you need me.
Hey boss,
I sent the photos over.
I'm headed to the hospital.
Okay, got it.
What do you want?
Wow, having a serious lens really
makes a difference for a pro photographer.
What do you want to drink?
Tea to go.
Since when?
My tastes change all the time.
If I changed to photojournalism,
could do I make it?
- Sure. - For real?
I know a guy who switched.
Won a big award in one year.
So you're saying my pictures
could win in a year?
You're that ambitious?
What's up?Thinking of stealing Kenny's job?
Not stealing it,
I just want to help out.
Oh, thanks so much.
Don't listen to her.
She gets excited all the time.
But weren't you encouraging me?
Hey, if you want to stand a chance,
reach a decent level, first.
- Yo, one tea to go. - And you don't think
- And an ashtray, thanks. - I can do it.
How about this,
If you really make the switch,
send me your first photo.
I will make it my wallpaper. How about it?
It's a deal.
"Ah Mel likes a post you are tagged in. 'My wallpaper for you, Prince. Thank you..."'
"My wallpaper for you, Prince. Thank you for your encouragement."
"@Mallory @FangYing @Prince"
There was a minor explosion during taping
of a segment at our studios earlier today.
This is the latest footage we've received.
Thank you for tuning into VIP Weekly.
We're delighted today to bring
recent top-ten young industrialist award recipient,
Mr. Ko Kin Yan, here to share some words.
Greetings, Mr. Ko.
The explosion happened at approximately 09:00.
There were no injuries
and the cause is currently unknown.
We're going to keep on top of this
and update you as new information
becomes available.
Hi, I'd like to pay my phone bill.
The number is 56423210.
That number isn't in our system.
Okay, thanks.
56423210
ls Tam Yui Chi the owner?
That's right.
"Tam Yui Chi"
Okay, thanks.
Here's the latest update,
The earlier explosion at green-screen studio 10
Eleven are being held hostage inside.
You can see the hostages in the center,
most of whom are employees of the studio.
At the very front is the show's guest, Ko Kin Yan.
Here, seated on the left, is the hostage taker.
A gaffer for the studio, his name is Tam Yui Chi.
Previous to this position,
Tam Yui Chi had worked on film pyrotechnics.
He claims to have set ten explosives around the studio.
This just in,
his condition for releasing the captives
is a meeting with SAR Chief Executive, Lo Kin Kuen.
Thanks.
In the center you can see a 'negotiation ball'.
A negotiator will be using this ball
to communicate with Tam Yui Chi.
But for now, we have no way of listening in,
Yeah, I'm watching it.
- As the earlier explosion - Okay, got it.
Had damaged existing microphones.
The boss wants us at that studio.
Come on, let's go.
Hello?
You hear what's going down at the TV station?
Just saw it.
The number you asked to check is Tam Yui Chi's.
It's a big scoop.
Do you remember Tam Yui Chi?
He sounds familiar.
7 years ago, a Christmas Eve rape and murder.
The victim was his daughter.
"Christmas Eve murder-rape"
"...suspect released after not guilty verdict"
"Ko Kin Yan...found not guilty."
Chung, write this special up, quick.
Tam Yui Chi's daughter was the victim
of rape and murder 7 years ago on Christmas Eve.
The person arrested and charged in the crimes
was Ko Kin Yan.
Tam Yat Sum was only seventeen at the time.
When she was found, her head was mangled by a blunt object.
Police quickly apprehended Ko Kin Yan.
- I'll make sure there is justice for her. - DNA analysis confirmed
that semen from the body was his.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Ko maintained in court
that the encounter with Miss Tam
was mutual and happened inside the bar.
Crucially, the prosecution's witness, Chiu Ching Leung,
had previously claimed to see Mr. Ko moving the body
off the street to take her away.
But he recanted once in court,
saying it was coerced by police,
that he'd actually seen Miss Tam take a cab,
that Mr. Ko came out only afterwards,
and that together they drank until dawn at another bar.
Because of this, the case fell apart.
Well, obviously the witness was paid off.
It's likely no one knows Tam and Ko's connection.
Three hundred words, ASAP.
Give me ten minutes.
You have five.
Right.
Too late, Flash News beat us to it.
"Tam Yui Chi nabs Ko Kin Yan to settle score for daughter"
"Ah Mel likes a post you are tagged in. 'My wallpaper for you, Prince. Thank you..."'
"My wallpaper for you, Prince. Thank you for your encouragement."
"@Mallory @FangYing @Prince"
So you're saying my pictures
could win in a year?
If you really make the switch,
send me your first photo.
I will make it my wallpaper. How about it?
It's a deal.
"Channel C99"
Police are evacuating building 1
and telling all workers there to leave.
It's currently unknown if 2 and 3 will be evacuated.
The suspect's name is Tam Yui Chi, 67 years old.
He's a gaffer for C99,
known to colleagues as Uncle Chi,
We just saw C99 board general manager
Chiu Chun Ki pull into the lot.
It's thought he is here to handle the hostage situation.
Through a spokesman,
he indicates he will cooperate fully with the police
to bring about peaceful resolution.
Stop the car.
You get out, too.
Already had your fill?
No, but we can't get inside.
And we already sent back everything out here.
Yeah, we just came over for a break.
If there isn't any news, make it up.
What's the caption?
"Reporters flood TV station"?
Fai Ye, try to get an interview with Tam Yiu Chi.
We're evacuating, where are you?
Uncle Chi, we're already doing our best
to help make your request happen.
I hope you can also help us
and release those who need assistance.
I just want to see the Chief Executive.
Keep talking and I'll trash your little toy.
Stay calm, Uncle Chi.
Let's all stay calm.
- Hey, mister, - But if you need anything,
we're all ears.
Did you run into some problems?
If it's money, I can help you.
Trust me,
money isn't a problem for me.
Sorry, everyone. Don't be scared!
There's no need to be scared.
When the chief executive arrives,
I'll let you go right away.
I'll let you all go immediately.
Don't be afraid. I'm sorry, guys.
Uncle Chi?
Uncle Chi, can you hear me?
This is Lok Ka Fai from Smart Post.
I'd like to interview you.
Okay-
Fai Ye has Mr. Tam
and he's up for an interview.
He'll use his phone.
Have IT broadcast it.
- Got it. - Dig up pictures.
Ko's and the all the Tams'.
Also finding the body, autopsy, the court-
Pack as many photos as possible in there.
Okay-
Right, let's start the interview.
"Channel C99 Studio 8 lighting catwalk"
Can you say why you want to see the chief executive?
For seven years,
whenever I close my eyes,
I see how my daughter looked during autopsy.
That simply wasn't my little girl!
My little girl couldn't look like that.
...her head, her face...
My wife and I couldn't even recognize her.
Only...the birthmark on her thigh told us it was her.
Seventeen.
She was only seventeen!
How could he? How could he do it?
What was your little girl's name?
Tan Yat Sum.
Did the police make any arrests?
Yes,
that piece of shit Ko Kin Yan!
- Long time no see! - It's been so long! I missed you!
Miss?
Can I buy you a drink?
I don't even know you.
Herman Ko.
Don't go!
Look, I can give you money.
'Stop running! - Help!
But why, even after the court decided
that Ko Kin Yan was cleared of rape and murder,
are you still so set that he did it?
DNA proves that lowlife raped my daughter.
If he hadn't paid the witness to lie on the stand,
that bastard would already be in jail!
What proof do you have?
The witness told me himself.
Around a year after the case was over,
the witness, Chiu Ching Leung, suddenly sent me an SMS.
He had me come out to meet him.
He told me, face-to-face,
that he took money to lie under oath.
After that, he could never sleep.
His conscience haunted him.
He said even if he went to prison, he'd tell the truth.
He promised to be a witness,
so I quickly got a lawyer.
Only to find,
that Hong Kong law
protects defendants from double jeopardy.
The lawyer said even if the murderer himself confessed,
the verdict could not be changed.
How can Hong Kong have such absurd laws?
Get info on double jeopardy.
How can that shit...
...murder my daughter and just walk free!
Is Hong Kong law that stupid?
5306 and 5844 are searching studio 6.
I applied for a judicial review.
It was rejected.
Then a few years ago,
the government said the law would change
and some kind of inquiry would be opened.
It was such a hard wait,
until the LRC sent a report up to LegCo.
After reaching LegCo, nothing else happened.
I waited for three years.
My daughter has been dead for seven years.
For my wife and me,
these seven years have been a living hell.
I can't wait any longer.
I need justice for my daughter.
- That had nothing to do with me! - Nothing?
Now that Ko Kin Yan is right there,
do you plan to kill him?
This bastard, right there in court,
called my daughter a slut!
Of course I want to kill you, you shit!
It wasn't me!
Wasn't it?
Because you won't admit
you wronged my daughter,
I can't just kill you right now.
That's Why you want the chief executive.
When you see him, what will you say?
I want him to change the law immediately.
I want the courts to re-investigate this scum.
But after taking hostages, creating this situation
you'll be going to go to prison.
Doesn't that worry you?
Ridiculous.
Worried about what?
My daughter's already dead.
What worries do I have'?
When those assholes saw me protesting,
had people come threaten me and my wife.
I didn't do it.
It wasn't you?
You wanted to stop me.
Sometimes even pushed me around yourself.
Nothing can rattle me.
She's already dead.
What do I have to worry about?
The assholes you're talking about are...
You! Don't move!
You can't be here!
- Lok Ka Fai... - I'm a reporter!
- Now that things have gotten so crazy, - Let me hear him out!
Will people pay attention?
Will I make the top story?
"Double Jeopardy"
"Faster revisions now! Change Double Jeopardy Justice for Society!"
"Hunger Strike"
Fong Ying, our live feed has over seventy thousand views.
It's already passed Flash News.
Tam Yui Chi is on the walkie-talkie again,
like someone else has gotten through,
like another outlet has copied
Smart Post's Lok Ka Fai's
use of the studio walkie-talkies to interview him.
"Exclusive interview with Tam Yui Chi analyzing daughter."
It's Flash News.
Uncle Chi? This is Fung from Flash News.
I'd like to interview you.
Go on.
A self-described former classmate of Tam Yat Sum
is posting information on facebook.
What information?
That your daughter was very well-known
...for hooking up with every...
What did you say?
- Uncle Chi, you can turn it off. - That's just what he wrote.
So here's your chance to set things straight.
Turn it off, Uncle Chi, just toss it away.
Rubbish! Nonsense!
Stop accusing my baby girl!
She wouldn't do anything like that!
I'll just read to you what's on his Facebook.
He says, "She loved hanging out, partying,
and even had an abortion."
Stop slandering my daughter! Stop it!
Okay, Uncle Chi. Calm down,
we won't talk about her any more.
No more of that.
Let's talk about Ko Kin Yan.
You maintain that he raped your daughter,
but he says
they were consensual.
Shut up! Shut up, you asshole!
And if she was really raped,
then why didn't the coroner find signs of trauma
on the body consistent with rape?
Goddamn you!
Give it back!
What are you doing?
Do you know what the hell you're saying?
My daughter's a good girl!
- Yes, your daughter was always good. - She's a good girl!
- She loved her parents so much - She's been a good girl all her life!
And was always very bright. She deserved so much praise, right?
- She's a good girl! - Uncle Chi, stay calm.
- It's none of your business! - This is too far!
- Someone could die! - Stop fighting!
She's a good girl!
Stop your lying, you bastard!
This has nothing to do with me!
We can see Tam Yui Chi still assaulting Mr. Ko,
who has no way of protecting himself
with his hands tied up.
Tam Yui Chi still seems quite upset.
Ko Kin Yan is no longer responsive.
Stop it!
Stop fighting!
CID!
Tam Yui Chi appears to have calmed down,
though in the upper right corner, Ko Kin Yan
He provoked him on purpose.
Pushing things on like that
just to pump your hit rate.
Are their people insane?
He's moving.
We are in a state of grief.
This was an act of cold-blooded violence.
The chief executive has ordered the police
to do everything possible to rescue the hostages.
On behalf of the SAR government,
I have a very important message,
We will not meet any senseless demands
made under any threat of violence.
Here, I must call on Mr. Tam Yui Chi
to immediately release all hostages.
Otherwise, police will take decisive measures
to bring you to justice.
Earlier today, police forced
entry into Tam Yui Chi's apartment,
seizing a large amount of chemical ingredients
used in making explosives,
receipts for those materials,
and also electronic detonators.
Reports indicate he has planted enough explosives
to level an entire building.
We believe that these chemical materials
are closely related to the hostage situation.
From the chemicals and invoices seized, we can guess
that the perpetrator has placed enough explosives
in the studio to cause severe casualties.
This is very clearly
a crime, premeditated and ruthlessly calculated
to bring about great injury and death.
We strongly condemn this perpetrator.
We will employ every active measure,
meeting violence with force,
to bring this criminal to justice.
Flash News says Fai Ye assaulted someone.
Jockeying for the scoop turning into a dispute
I can understand that.
But physical harm is something I cannot accept.
Miss Fong Ying, interim chief editor at Smart Post
please spend a little effort training your people.
Teach them some professional conduct out there.
If Smart Post wants to take on Flash News,
then I hope you'll do some real work.
Use numbers to convince me,
not violence.
Hello, Chong?
We're doing a response.
We're ready, Mr. Chong.
I'm not debating which reporter was right or wrong.
But I do agree,
let numbers make the case.
Reporting has no need, should not behave,
like Flash News,
pushing until someone gets hurt.
Today, I will use numbers to prove this.
Shouldn't you have give me some warning?
You'd have come up if I did?
They stir up a fight,
so we have to join in?
If they strike and you don't swing back,
then you just there and take it?
Your statement was pretty good.
Less than ten minutes, and already 6000 views.
Do you get it now?
This is how battles are fought.
To be the chief editor, you have to win.
It's not a choice.
It's only interim chief.
And if Smart Post folds, you're not anything.
If you can beat Flash News today,
then at least when talking to the board,
I'll have ammunition.
Flash News smears Tam Yat Sum,
then props up Ko Kin Yan.
What are they doing?
They almost drove Tam Yui Chi to murder.
If he turns into a monster,
it proves they weren't wrong.
We'll meet their challenge.
Dig up dirt on Ko Kin Yan.
Fai Ye,
doesn't that phone have harassing messages on it?
It must involve Ko Kin Yan.
See what you can do.
Ah Mel, you help him.
Right.
Next, I'm sure Flash will look for Chiu Ching Leung.
Pong, see if you can beat them to it.
And we need to look up double jeopardy,
from inquiry to submitting the report...
Hey,
are we really going to play their game?
People are just watching for thrills.
Are we really putting our reputation up against that?
Yes.
When did you start working that way?
Flash News does everything wrong.
So what if I stand up to them?
Are we doing whatever it takes for clicks?
Fai Ye, it's just a job.
The point is we must beat them today.
So you're saying our reporting
from here on out is only about the clicks.
Then are you going or not?
Fong Ying, we got word, SDU is on standby.
If the negotiator doesn't succeed by 8pm,
they're going to force entry.
I'm hearing that the chief executive
will be at the studio by 8.
The security informant hung up on me.
Maybe they're really forcing entry at 8.
What? They're even clearing out building 2.
"Police order evacuation of building 2."
All set?
Why don't we use studio 3?
If you're the viewer, which has more draw?
- But... - Muss her hair,
she's an escapee.
When citizens go to stand trial,
it's a very long and arduous process
that can wipe out your savings in an instant.
That's why the original intent of this law
was to protect people from being harassed
after being found innocent in court and released.
You could no longer be harassed,
could return to a normal life,
and avoid parties like the Department of Justice,
who for unknown reasons might prosecute
one person, over and over.
But with advances in DNA tests
and other technology,
much more useful evidence is possible.
It's only if greater justice can be had
that the LRC might recommend changing the law.
Maybe if there was a very serious case
where more convincing evidence was found,
or if someone was caught giving false evidence
or something like harassing a witness.
For instance, in Tam Yui Chi's case,
an appeals court could throw out a ruling
and re-start proceedings.
The LRC made an inquiry and sent up the report two years later.
Most people support a change to the law,
but the report only received 22 comments.
That few?
We all have responsibility here.
From start to finish, even if we got a report,
it'd end up on the last page.
If not for Tam Yui Chi,
nobody would know about this.
Look at the report.
Sent to LegCo three years ago,
but not a peep since.
See if there's anything there.
Right.
Fong Ying,
within the LegCo's public files,
some meeting records can't be opened.
Turns out, that's when they discussed double jeopardy.
Administrative office of the Legislative Council.
This is Smart Post reporter Fong Ying.
I need hard copy records
of LegCo's meetings
on March 22nd, 2012.
Sure. Please wait a moment.
Sorry, I can't find it.
Perhaps once I've located it,
you could call back.
That's fine, thank you.
Hard and soft copies are gone.
Then there goes that lead.
No, there's still a list of committee members.
This is Smart Post reporter Fong Ying.
I'm looking for details about double jeopardy.
You don't recall?
Okay, thank you.
This is Smart Post report...
Ms. Wong, please.
Mr. Mao, please.
I'd like some information about double jeopardy.
Hello?
The whole head gets cut off.
Quite horrific.
Spit it out. What do you want?
I just want to know
who sent this kind of thing to Tam Yui Chi's wife.
And why he'd want to
keep frightening her.
So I thought I'd try my luck.
I replied to the message,
saying if they wanted to rescue Ko Kin Yan,
then have Ko's father come out for a chat.
I didn't think you'd come so soon.
Then weren't you the one harassing them,
Mr Ko?
What's your price?
Your net worth.
Plus a dollar.
Are you kidding?
Yup.
Why harass Tam Yui Chi?
No idea what you're talking about.
From the moment you stepped into this coffee shop,
everything that happened was recorded.
I was just coming by
for a cup of coffee.
But you asked for a price.
Just this phrase
is enough for a full page story.
Add to that all your dirty deeds,
obstructing their fight to allow double jeopardy
That's plenty juicy
for two pages.
Well?
I got all Ko Yiu Kui's reactions,
crystal clear.
He won't be let off easy once the video's out.
It's fine, I've got this.
I'll send this back.
Actually, I gotta use the toilet.
Okay, see you soon. Thanks.
Where are you going?
Meeting Chung Pui Ho.
That guy?
Get someone else.
I tried everyone.
How about Yeung Dung Sun?
Called a dozen times. No answer.
After illegal construction caused his resignation,
no one's seen him.
Let me try.
Of course you can't get him on this number.
Hello?
Sunny? Yeah, it's Old Kwan.
What's your price?
Your net worth. Plus a dollar.
Are you kidding?
Yup.
Why harass Tam Yui Chi?
No idea what you're talking about.
From the moment you stepped into this coffee shop,
everything that happened was recorded.
Has Ah Mal sent the footage back, yet?
Nope.
...I'll call her right now.
Hey, Chung.
Shun says he might video of the LegCo meeting.
Go look for it at his warehouse.
Okay-
Hey boss, I haven't seen Fai Ye.
I'm worried something's happened.
What's your point, sending that video?
You don't get it?
Then let me explain it.
I've got a story on my hands.
It stars Ko Yiu Kui,
boss of one Guangzhou's ten biggest firms,
and his son, Ko Kin Yan,
who also stars as a rapist
and murderer on Christmas Eve, seven years ago.
Ko senior didn't want his son on the stand again,
so he used scare tactics on Tam and his wife,
to stop their push to revive double jeopardy.
After so much pressure, for so long,
Tam Yui Chi finally snapped.
He then held a dozen people hostage,
demanding to see the chief executive.
But Ko Yiu Kui and the chief's connection...
You know that Ko and the chief executive
have never gotten along.
Who knows for sure?
The story is ours to tell. We'll say
the chief executive is protecting Ko Yiu Kui.
Then he's protecting Ko Yiu Kui.
And saying makes it so?
I just want you to know
how big this could get if it gets out.
With enough spin, we're talking international news.
By then, it would be beyond Mr. Lo's control.
We don't want to interfere with the press,
but consider the audience
would releasing the video help the situation?
If it provokes Tam Yiu Chi enough,
then what might happen?
Well, I don't have to release it just yet.
But Mr. Lo should show some good faith.
He's not showing up because of a threat.
I don't need him to come in person.
He can send a representative.
No way.
Where's Fai Ye?
Don't know.
We're so worried. Where have you been?
I'm not releasing the video.
Why?
Gordon promised to get the chief executive.
If the chief executive is willing to talk,
then there's no need to release the video.
You're using it to cut a deal?
I'm using it to save lives.
We're reporters.
Our job is to report the truth,
not save lives,
and especially not to interfere with them.
Right now, this video can save a dozen lives.
Even so, you should still discuss it with us.
What's to discuss?
How to increase our hit rate?
How much is Chong pressuring you?
Don't change the subject.
Where am I changing it?
I'm trying to save people.
What's so wrong with that?
- Fai Ye... - What?
Now you're saying I'm wrong, too?
Just what happened to you today?
Enough.
We're at war,
not fighting with each other.
What's the deal? Point your fire the other way.
You want to hurt each other?
- Fight for standard hours! - I’m gonna get some shots.
- Overtime must be paid! - Chat later.
Catch you later.
"Double Jeopardy"
"Hunger Strike"
"Faster revisions now!"
"Change Double Jeopardy Justice for Society!"
"Hunger Strike"
Don't be so stupid.
Nobody will care if you starve to death.
If you really mean well,
then help me write a story.
Even if I do, no one will read it.
If I had that many people with me.
If we helped each other, that would be something.
Give it up,
- Give up? -just go home.
There's no way I'm giving up.
I'm telling you
Stay til you're dead and it Won't be in the papers.
Leave me alone.
You wanna be in the news?
You wanna be the lead story?
Go murder someone.
Kill someone and you're the top story.
Lok Ka Fai
now that things have gotten so crazy,
will people pay attention?
Will I make the top story?
Things will work out.
They'll be fine.
Why did I tell him that?
If your words were that powerful,
Tam Yui Chi wouldn't have waited three years
to make his move.
Over three years,
how much has Ko Yiu Kui done to make him back off?
It would drive anyone mad.
That's right.
It's got nothing to do with you.
Don't put it all on yourself.
But if anything happens to him or the hostages...
I'll have to live with it the rest of my life.
Nothing will happen.
Today's my first day as a photojournalist.
Kenny will watch over us.
- Sor... - Lost in your phone again.
If Fong Ying sees you, you're toast.
She's back. You're in for it now.
It's not...There's a spoof cartoon going viral on Facebook,
making fun of Tam Yui Chi being a terrorist.
I was only looking at it.
Fong Ying,
Chung got a recording of that meeting.
Someone is questioning the reform commission's qualification and legitimacy,
saying the LRC's role must first be re-evaluated,
before discussing any proposed changes in the law.
What idiot said that?
The printout was captured, but I can't tell
which representative Cheung said it.
Call Yeung Dung Shun.
He was absent that day.
There are only two representatives named Cheung.
One is Alan Cheung,
the other is Benny Cheung.
Isn't Alan Cheung Ko Kin Yan's uncle?
And if it really is Alan Cheung
that means he's abusing his position
to delay legal changes and protect his nephew?
The story just got huge.
Then how do we know if it was Alan Cheung?
I'll go up to Shenzhen.
Chung Pui Ho is willing to see me.
"Shenzhen"
We know someone said
the LRC's role should be re-evaluated.
Do you remember who brought that up?
That meeting?
I remember someone said changes shouldn't be hasty.
Then who was it?
There were thirteen commission members.
I'd need some time to...think about it.
Why don't you focus.
Then I'd need a closer look.
It wasn't Chris.
It wasn't Michael.
Then was it Benny?
No.
Then it was Alan.
You're such a clever girl.
It was a mosquito.
"Ko Kin Yan's Uncle Abuses Authority To Obstruct Double Jeopardy Revisions"
That news hasn't been out half an hour
and there are already a few thousand inquiries.
Reaction on the internet has been huge.
If Ko Yiu Kui's video gets released...
Call Chong Ngai Yuen.
"Channel C99 Control Room"
In a second, record the monitor.
I'll talk to him first.
No need.
Hello Uncle Chi.
I'm chief executive Lo's representative
and his information coordinator, Gordon Tong.
So what?
Why isn't the chief executive here himself?
I've been sent with full powers to represent him.
Can I come in and have a chat?
If the chief executive sends a rep,
tell him to send Lok Ka Fai.
Lok Ka Fai is the only person I trust.
- Uncle Chi - Shut your hole!
No way, it's too dangerous.
Tam Yui Chi seems to trust Lok Ka Fai.
I think we should try.
What if Tam Yui Chi can promise
that no matter how the discussion goes
he will let Lok Ka Fai back out?
He almost killed someone.
How could I trust him?
I spoke with him for several hours.
He seems trustworthy and open to reason.
He's not reckless.
Ko Kin Yan killed his daughter.
Considering how agitated he was,
he ought to have killed Ko Kin Yan.
But he didn't. Why?
Because he's still holding on to one thing
to have Ko Kin Yan tried again.
As negotiators, our greatest fear is
their losing hope.
Then there is nothing we can do.
So long as he's holding out hope
I have faith we can keep working.
Since Mr. Lo is willing to let Lok Ka Fai represent him,
why not let him try?
And if it goes well,
he might let some hostages go.
There's been continuous, live TV coverage.
If there's no progress by midnight,
Do we want the world to watch him press the button?
This is the best chance to turn things around.
What does the chief executive have to say?
He said
if you release all the hostages,
he'll change the law within half a year.
D4
Uncle Chi, let me go!
I'll trust you this time.
I'll let four women go first,
but I will meet the chief executive.
If I don't hear anything by midnight,
I'm going down with these people.
Don't be too rash, Uncle Chi.
Just remember,
you should go to court yourself
and get justice for your daughter.
Right now, we can see Lok Ka Fai
bringing female captives out of the studio.
Several ambulances just pulled in to the station.
The hostages are aboard the ambulances.
- Put their names on it. - Okay.
"Tam Yui Chi's wife dead in morning accident. Exclusive photos of deceased."
Flash News posted a photo of his wife's corpse.
Is my wife dead?
"Husband"
Lok Ka Fai?
Is my wife dead?
Please, tell me...
Tell him she's still alive.
Convince him to visit her in the hospital.
The negotiator isn't allowed to lie.
Please, tell me...
ls my wife dead?
We're sending someone to check on her.
It may not be as bad as you think.
All your hard work is
for justice for your daughter.
Stay calm.
We are passing your demand up to the chief executive.
There should be a response soon.
- Nobody leaves! - Uncle Chi
Uncle Chi
Uncle Chi,
the chief executive is thinking over your demand.
Listen good.
This is the last time I say it
If I don't see him by midnight,
we all die.
Hey, say something.
There's a problem with the live feed.
We'll be back after this commercial.
"Flash News office"
What's with you all?
Don't you know we've broken a record for hits?
Don't you know we got someone killed?
Tam Yui Chi is the one who killed him.
Do you feel absolutely no responsibility?
Why don't you try volunteer work.
I slogged through over ten years on Taiwan cable TV.
What crazy things haven't I seen?
That just now, was nothing.
Too easy.
Write up an obituary for the hostage.
Stake out their homes.
When someone dies,
I want mobile pop-ups within 30 seconds.
Today, I will beat them every step of the way.
What are we trying to win?
"Famine in Sudan, 22 Years Ago"
Tam Yui Chi is her.
We in the news, we're this vulture,
waiting for her to die
so we can eat her flesh.
"Stay hungry" is also followed by
"stay foolish"
If we only remember to stay hungry,
we'll only get more and more greedy,
with an endless appetite.
Why can Flash News take things so far?
Because the market demands it.
We're not trying to beat Flash News.
We want to win the whole market.
The more the market tries to force us into accepting its values,
the more we should be pushing
what we feel is right.
We should be like Kevin Carter.
Take pictures like this to change the world.
It's this photograph,
that made the West realize how desperate
the famine in the Sudan was,
until it changed their aid policies.
If we can do something now
to show Hong Kong what really happened today,
there's a chance to turn things around.
Alright.
If smartphone addicts are such a big deal,
let's use social media to turn the tide.
Once upon a time, Tam Yui Chi
and his bus-driving wife
had a daughter
and a happy life.
Then one day, the daughter died.
Game over. What was over...
was the family's happiness.
Cops quickly caught trust-fund kid Ko Kin Yan,
then quickly found him innocent and let him go.
Why? He's rich.
He bought false testimony.
That's what Tam Yui Chi says.
We don't know.
Anyway, now that there's new testimony,
whether or not it's real is up to the judge.
But Hong Kong policy forbids double jeopardy.
Hey, this one's awesome,
I'll send it to you.
Yeah, sure.
"Ban lurid press photography"
Let's put it on the company page.
Sure.
What? You were serious?
But it's calling you guys dirty.
Well, we are.
Hey, standby.
Hold on, fix my hair first.
I'm a reporter, not an actor.
"Mad bomber massacre at TV station"
"ls he crazy? He blew someone up!"
"What the hell! Why isn't SWAT moving in?"
"Blowing up that photographer wasn't tragic? He had a wife and kids, too!"
"Ko Kin Yan did the deed. If anyone dies, it should be that player."
"Don't drag others into it."
"His wife and daughter are dead. What good is his life now? It's so tragic."
"If I was Tam Yui Chi"
"and got those heartless pictures of my dead wife in the morgue,"
"I think I'd really go crazy."
"I honestly don't know what double jeopardy is. Can someone explain?"
"It's the law telling the poor to suck it."
"I've been watching the live feed all day. I gotta do something!"
"Hey, my friends studying law are making a 'layman's packet“
"to clear up what double jeopardy is all about"
"Awesome, can I get one of those?"
"I want one, too."
"We've read the packets, so now what, sit here and talk big? What else can we do?"
Some legal scholars say
allowing double jeopardy can bring fairer justice.
This would be a good chance for the government
to enact an earlier change in the law.
We support revising double jeopardy.
Give justice a chance.
"No more keyboard activism,"
"I’m going to take action, go to the TV studio, and support reform."
"Join us, brothers and sisters!"
People are posting about going to the station
to support legal change.
"Flash News office"
- Hey, let's go to the TV station. - Cool, let's go.
- I want to go. - Okay.
"We Support Fixing Double Jeopardy And Giving Justice A Chance!"
"Relax Double Jeopardy Without Delay!"
"Would you waste good evidence?"
Hey, Hou News copied us. They made another summary.
Great, the more copycats, the better.
Does Flash News have a reporter named Zhong Kai Qi?
I know her.
She posted on Facebook,
exposing how her boss does news,
saying she can't stand it, has quit,
and doesn't want the internship credits.
Now, she's got a lot of likes and shares.
Tam Yui Chi has calmed down.
I want to talk with him again.
He doesn't even want to talk to you.
It's been over ten hours.
If talking worked, we wouldn't still be here.
It's not midnight, yet. I want another try.
We start when everyone is set. And that's that.
Just heard, SDU isn't waiting.
They're about to breach.
"Demand Double Jeopardy Reform"
"Pledge to Support Social Justice"
This case is well past the second round,
and social media is the court.
Now a word with a judge, meaning a net user
Judge, what's your verdict?
Guilty as charged!
Hong Kong residents are here to support legal reform.
They're all here to support one man
Tam Yui Chi.
Law students here are handing out
layman's guides they've assembled.
These cover the legal controversy
of double jeopardy.
We're about twenty minute from midnight,
less than half an hour
from Tam Yui Chi's deadline.
There's tension in the air.
Everyone is waiting for the latest information.
Taxi and minibus groups are giving free rides.
Even private citizens are going online
to offer trips to the station.
Turns out you really can change the world.
Flash News' boss just resigned,
effective immediately!
A chief editor resigns on her first day,
that's one for Hong Kong's history books!
Tam Yui Chi is still at the studio.
So the fight's not over.
Back to work.
They're all set. We can force entry at any time.
Actually, we're all well aware
that double jeopardy laws need to be changed.
Tam Yui Chi's request is not unfounded.
The chief executive certainly should not yield to threats,
but that doesn't rule out some other response.
Respond to a madman? Bullshit!
Mr. Lo,
if that psycho pulls the trigger, there's no going back.
Murder someone, win an award...
Uncle Chi, it's Leung Ching Man.
Did you know,
there are thousands of people out there.
They're all your supporters
who also want to fight for change.
If you don't believe me,
you can see the news on your phone.
They're all your fellow fighters.
You're no longer alone.
Uncle Chi?
Mr. Lo, I guarantee
my sniper can take him out.
The hostages will be safe.
Breaking news,
the negotiator has successfully persuaded Tam Yui Chi
to release all the hostages
The situation was resolved half an hour ago.
You can see police vehicles leaving the studio.
Tam Yui Chi should be in one of them.
Media swarmed the cars
for photographs upon seeing them,
forcing them
to proceed very slowly.
Get any shots?
No worries, I got some.
"Steve Jobs' remark 'stay hungry, stay foolish' actually comes from..."
"'stay hungry, stay foolish', Many attribute this mantra to Steve Jobs,"
"but it originated from the magazine Whole Earth Catalog,"
"published by Stewart Brand and edited by Kevin Kelly."
"The farewell message on its back cover,"
"as explained by Jobs,"
"meant that we must understand our own insignificance,"
"use the humble awareness of a new student,"
"and thirst as if starved for knowledge,"
"to go embrace the future."
"Reporters really are a starving group."
"Journalists truly are a "starving lot","
"but we cannot be like hungry vultures,"
"recklessly gnawing at the flesh of child on the verge of death."
"a thirst for knowledge when handling the news."
"This is what it means to be a reporter"
"and to have the right approach for media."
"Subject: The Starving Media"
Good to go. I'm actually pretty hungry.
I've been hungry for a long time.
Did we end up beating Flash News?
We had 1.6 million.
They got 1.61.
We lost by a nose.
No way.
Come on, their editor-in-chief quit.
So do we still have to pack up?
What? But it's the end of the year.
I have to call the movers.
You have a lot of stuff?
An okay amount.
I'm here to make a clarification.
In fact, the Hong Kong government
has all along been making progress on revising the law
regarding double jeopardy.
Progress on that has been going well.
But in order to dispel the public's doubts,
I will personally task related departments
to complete revisions within half a year.
That was the first public statement made
by chief executive Lo on the topic
of last month's hostage situation.
But a government spokesperson emphasized
that the statement had no relation to that event,
that all revisions proceed as planned,
and would not be affected by any one incident.