CONFIDENTIAL
- 9
LINES TO TAKE FOR THE GOVERNOR
PA 190/7
15
TU. [addition Lines
for this week total 8 pages]
[ 8
K
14 November 1993
MUB 190k
LICENSING FRAMEWORK FOR SATELLITE TELEVISION BROADCAS 19
6.
FROM HONG KONG
Present Position
number of
television
The Executive Council approved on 9 November 1993 a
amendments to the licensing framework for satellite
broadcasting from Hong Kong laid down by the the context of the Hutchvision
changes include dropping of the
Council in October 1990 in
licence.
The significant
to be replaced by a full cost
The next step is briefing of the
majority local ownership requirement as well as service
origination fees, which are
recovery licence fee.
Chinese and until that has been successfully completed we do
position with them by early
information to the media. There will be no
publicity as such; only a line-to-take to be used if
not want to jeopardize our
disclosure of
necessary.
The enormous potential of satellite television in Asia
is increasingly recognized, particularly since the successful
launch of STAR TV. There are more and more overseas
broadcasters wishing to uplink their services from Hong Kong
to the region. About half a dozen expressions of interest
from well-regarded broadcasters are currently on hand.
The Hong Kong Government's existing licensing framework
is perceived as overly restrictive.
Our licensing
requirements contrast rather unfavourably with other Asian
cities' willingness
be as flexible as possible to further
their aim to become the regional media hub. By adhering to
the existing stringent framework, satellite broadcasting
be driven to other Asian
business might
undermining Hong broadcasting hub.
to
Kong's
Kong's developing
thus
cities,
status as
the regional
So'd
BSOL TES ZS8+
(99) 3014AN S
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