We also aim to set up a Cantonese (as distinct from Mandarin) Section in Bush House to improve programming in Cantonese.
A SCHEDULE FOR THE REGION
In April 1991 we were able to reschedule our Mandarin transmissions and to create a 3 hour evening programme from 1800 to 2100 local time. Since then, there have been further increases in transmission time. As listener reaction shows, these were first and important steps in becoming more available to the audience and at the same time it reinforced our position vis-à-vis our main. competitors (VOA broadcasts 10 hours per day).
The BBC believes that its presence at key listening times should be further strengthened, in Mandarin, Cantonese and in English.
We therefore propose to increase our broadcasts in Mandarin as well as our Regional English Initiative by 16:15 hours to a new total of 71:45 hours per week. The regional programmes in English (Dateline East Asia, English teaching programmes, slow speed news) can then be scheduled in such a way as to create a more user-friendly programme stream for China.
LANGUAGE
HOURS PER WEEK
CURRENT
PROPOSED
Mandarin
35:00
49:00
Cantonese
7:00
7:00
Regional English
1:15
3:30
Initiative
BBC English
12:15
12:15
TOTAL
55:30
71:45
increase
of 16:15
DELIVERY
Short wave will remain the major method of delivery to China. For this, the new transmitter site in Thailand will be crucial. The use of our Hong Kong Relay cannot be guaranteed after 1996. As a matter of priority we shall seek to complement and reinforce our current facilities by hiring time or making other arrangements in Russia, Mongolia, Korea and Japan. We are also intending to increase our penetration of the East Asian market with BBC Transcription
B-17
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