Meeting between Hutchvision and UK Foreign Office
June 27, 1991
STAR TV/BBC WORLD SERVICE TELEVISION PROGRAMME VENTURE
Proposed BBC World Service Television News Channel
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* 24 hour English language service.
In depth, substantive, fully programmed.
British and International News, Documentaries, Business News.
* But only marginally viable - requires commitment.
Coverage of STAR TV
* 38 Countries across Asia - half the world's population.
Key markets have strong commonwealth legacy.
* Asia Pacific fast growth area.
Significance of Venture
ties/British
* Perceived impartiality of BBC World Service.
* Quality of programming Extension of World Radio
Service.
*
Counterbalance to American regional domination.
Support Sought from UK Foreign Office
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*
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International
To promote liberalisation of satellite regulations where possible in the region.
To endorse principle of "open skies" in Asia.
To help international "positioning" of service and to support in event of crisis.
Support Sought from UK Foreign Office
*
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Hong Kong
To help lift restriction on subscription programming
permit distribution of BBC enterprises products in
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HK.
To help lift restriction on Cantonese programming permit reception off BBC WSTV by 97% Cantonese speakers in HK.
To help underwrite initial operating losses due to required rights payments to third parties.
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