11
D. Media Commentary on the BRB Report
During the consultation period there were 116
editorials or articles in the press on the subject of the BRB Report, while on radio and TV 18 current affairs programmes or talk shows were wholly or partly devoted to the Report.
The Press
On the Independence of RTHK
2.
Twelve editorials or articles took up this subject. Of this twelve, ten supported the principle of an independent public broadcaster arguing that it would enhance media independence, or would provide a good balance to the commercially-oriented stations. One writer dismissed the idea as irrelevant to Hong Kong, while another felt RTHK should remain a part of government.
On RTHK to Take Up Prime-Time on the Commercial Stations
3.
Thirty four articles considered this proposal, with twenty-nine against the idea, on the grounds that it was unfair to the TV stations to use their prime time, that it would be damaging to ATV's finances, that it denied the viewer a choice of programmes at prime time, or that RTHK programmes were not popular enough. Three articles argued that the proposal smacked of excessive government interference in the private sector.
4.
Five articles supported the proposal, saying that more good quality programmes were needed at prime time, and arguing that the licensee's claim that they were being robbed of airtime was irrelevant, as the proposal applied to brand new licences.
5.
Most of those who criticised the prime-time proposal linked it with the proposal that RTHK should be funded by advertising. Eighteen writers argued that RTHK could not support itself solely through advertising, that it could not compete with the TV stations on a competitive basis without sacrificing programme quality, or that its independence would be threatened by pressures from advertisers. Five writers felt the public broadcaster should be publicly funded.
6.
Five writers supported the idea of a fifth channel for the public broadcaster, either competing with the other stations for advertising, or funded by the government.