An Internet survey asking web surfers what actress they would most like to sexually assault has sparked controversy over media ethics in Hong Kong, according to a Xinhua report June 7.

Popular duo Twins. [File Photo]

The survey was organized last week by a local radio station whose audience is mainly comprised of young people, in which some 20 famous Hong Kong actresses, including Athena Chu (Zhu Yin), Ruby Lin (Lin Xinru), Vivian Chow (Zhou Huimin) and Kelly Chen (Chen Huilin) were listed as potential targets for an imagined sexual assault.

The survey has met with great criticism throughout the region. Several women rights organizations have protested and appealed to the local media regulation body for a full investigation.

Actress Vivian Chow

The station has apologized publicly under intense pressure.

Hong Kong Education Bureau director Li Guozhang says the radio program was irresponsible for the stunt, which is totally unacceptable.

"The radio station, especially in light of its largely young audience, should not promote such ethics or suggest committing a crime." Li says.

This isn't the first time the question of ethics has been raised concerning Hong Kong media. There was also controversy after the local magazine East Week made use of a famous actor's privacy for profit in 2002.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong School of Media and Communications professor Liang Weixian says the program 's survey is a violation of human ethics. "Sexual assault is condemned throughout the world, but the program neglected this in the name of profits," he says.

"Media have a social function that magnifies the impact of their actions in society and should not be advocating crimes." Liang says.

"Media organizations should set up a stricter monitoring system inside the industry."

Pop star Kelly Chen

Hong Kong Parents Federation Chairman Chen Xiaozhu says programs such as the survey have a gradual impact on youngsters and induce them to commit crimes.

Kelly Chen, an actress listed on the survey, says she has no special feelings about the issue and she doesn't believe the participants in the survey would really assault the actresses.

Some even think that those on the list are more popular in general than those that aren't.

It's getting hard for serious media in Hong Kong to make a living. Culture village, a local culture magazine has closed its doors after eight years of losses and Hong Kong Culture has a circulation only in the thousands.