"I don't think we should quickly jump to the conclusion that we no longer have any freedom of speech when a particular [talkshow] style disappears. We can't base a big issue like freedom of speech on what happens to one or two people," said Anthony Cheung (張炳良), professor of public and social administration at City University.
Instead, Cheung believes that changes in the social climate -- a new leader, a steady economic recovery -- as well as the decline of the shock-jock formula, which has been popular for more than 10 years, have contributed to the broadcasting changes.
"As programs that put the expression of collective community anger as its objective, they no doubt have to change with the larger social changes. The style needs new articulation," he said.
Cheng disagreed. "That's rubbish. It's definitely not lack of demand -- I can easily become the city's No. 1 host again, if I were to open a mike tomorrow," he said.
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