In July, rumors ran rampant that former President Jiang Zemin had died after Asia Television in Hong Kong broadcast a report saying as much. Now, a senior executive at the broadcaster has resigned over the controversy, AFP reports. Meanwhile, Jiang Zemin still hasn’t been seen in public. From AFP:
Asia Television Ltd (ATV), one of two free-to-view broadcasters in the self-governed Chinese city, had cited unspecified sources on July 6 to report that the 85-year-old grandee had died.
It apologised for the error the following day, after China state media called the report “pure rumour”. Jiang reportedly still wields significant power in the Communist Party’s inner sanctum.
The mistake prompted Leung Ka-wing, ATV senior vice-president of news and public affairs, and his deputy to quit, an ATV spokeswoman told AFP.
Their resignation took effect immediately, she said.
“Why do I have to take full responsibility? It is because I failed to stop that news report from being aired despite my all-out efforts,” Leung told ATV News late Monday. He did not elaborate on his efforts.
