Tom Grundy is the founder and editor-in-chief of Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP), an impartial non-profit, independent English-language news outlet backed by an Ethics Code. Run by journalists, the multi-award-winning platform was Hong Kong’s first crowdfunded newspaper. It was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, and has gained the Trust Project and Journalism Trust Initiative credibility hallmarks.

HKFP has survived cyberattacks, threats, visa trouble, intimidation, harassment, surveillance, censorship, media bans, a columnist fleeing, government inspections, and plenty of pepper spray. It has the backing of 1,000 members – each contributing an average of HK$200 (US$25) per month.

Tom leads HKFP – raising funds, managing the team and navigating risk – whilst regularly speaking on press freedom, ethics and media funding at events around Asia.

He moved to Hong Kong from an ex-industrial town in the UK Midlands 20 years ago, and holds two journalism degrees. Previously, he ran a news and culture blog, as well as a domestic worker rights NGO. He often appears as a contributor on BBC World, BBC Radio, Al-Jazeera English and DW-TV.

read more