South China Morning Post

Hong Kong

Overview

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) is Hong Kong's English-language newspaper of record and one of Asia's most authoritative English-language news publications. Founded in 1903 and owned since 2016 by Alibaba Group, it reaches approximately 35 million monthly readers across its print and digital platforms. The paper covers Hong Kong, mainland China, and Asia with a stated mission to lead the global conversation about China.

History and Founding

The South China Morning Post published its first edition on 6 November 1903, founded by Tse Tsan-tai, a writer, campaigner, artist, and inventor of Australian-Chinese background, and Alfred Cunningham, a prominent British journalist. The paper's first office was on Hong Kong's waterfront between Connaught Road and Des Voeux Road. The paper declared its purpose in its first edition as telling the truth for the good of humanity. In 1916 Henry Ching became editor and was instrumental in establishing the SCMP's reputation as Hong Kong's leading English-language newspaper. The paper was suspended when Japanese forces occupied Hong Kong during World War II, returning to publication in 1945. In 1986 Rupert Murdoch acquired a controlling stake, which he sold in 1993 to Malaysian-Chinese tycoon Robert Kuok for $349 million. In December 2015, Alibaba Group announced the acquisition of SCMP Group's media assets for HK$2 billion (approximately US$266 million), completed in April 2016. Since the Alibaba acquisition, the paper has opened a U.S. bureau (2017), discontinued its Chinese-language edition, and moved to a digital-first model.

Coverage and Journalism

The SCMP provides comprehensive coverage of Hong Kong, mainland China, Asia, and international affairs, with specialists in politics, business, property, technology, lifestyle, and culture. It is recognized by The Guardian as Hong Kong's most prestigious English-language newspaper and in a 2019 survey by the Chinese University of Hong Kong was rated the most credible paid newspaper in Hong Kong. The paper has won multiple awards including Webby Awards for its digital storytelling, and in 2025 won the WAN-IFRA award for Best Digital Subscription or Reader Revenue Project for its SCMP Plus China-focused content. Print circulation has been approximately 100,000 daily copies, while digital reach has expanded substantially.

Editorial Independence and Context

Alibaba's 2016 acquisition raised concerns about editorial independence given the company's relationship with the Chinese government. Alibaba and SCMP management have maintained that editorial independence is upheld; the paper continues to break significant news about Hong Kong and China. In 2021 reports emerged that Beijing had pressured Alibaba to sell SCMP, potentially to a Chinese state-linked entity, concerns that management subsequently denied.

Access and Usage

The SCMP is available in print in Hong Kong and through its website and app globally at scmp.com. Its website is blocked in mainland China. Digital subscriptions are available via SCMP Plus.