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The Government supports too the idea of a
Tribunal to receive complaints from the public and to
resolve disputes within the broadcasting industry.
But it considers that it would be administratively
more appropriate to set this up within the ambit of
the Broadcasting Authority rather than as a
free-standing forum.
The Future of Radio Television Hong Kong
Much speculation and interest has been generated
over the future of RTHK. It was one of the most hotly
debated issues during the consultation period that
followed the publication of the BRB Report. There
was much support in this Council and from the public
for the concept of greater independence for RTHK
although views were mixed on how this independence
could be achieved. The Government is unable to accept
the ideas that have been canvassed to make RTHK
financially viable in its own right. There was,
little support for the Board's proposal to give RTHK a
monopoly over prime time on the commercial TV
stations. Nor would it be right to make successful
licensees pay for RTHK out of hypothecated royalties.