PUBLICATIONS, BROADCASTING AND FILMS
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Airtime is sold by the hour, half-hour or quarter hour, or as 'spot' announcements ranging from 10 to 60 seconds. Rates for the Chinese service vary from $962.50 an hour during peak periods to $80 for a 10-second 'spot' announcement. For the English service, rates vary between $275 an hour in the evenings and $10 for a 10-second 'spot' announcement. There is a staff of over 100, excluding artistes engaged for specific programmes.
English Programme Department. The year was a progressive one in which the general programme format, was streamlined. One of the most notable changes was the discontinuance of part-time announcing staff, who were replaced by a permanent staff of five male programme assistants. Two female programme assistants are responsible for special programmes for women and children. In January the director of the English programme left the company on a year's leave of absence. There is a European staff of nine, all of whom broadcast regularly. Special programmes are also con- tributed by members of the European community in the Colony. These include book and play reviews, short story readings, talks and true life adventures.
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The outstanding achievement of the year was the station's organization and presentation of four performances of the Frank Sinatra Charity Show in aid of the under-privileged children of Hong Kong. The concerts were held at the City Hall and two were broadcast 'live'. At the conclusion of the fourth concert Mr Sinatra presented a cheque for $95,000 to the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. Outside broadcasts played an important role in the year's programming. Sports, civic functions, the Queen's Birthday Parade, the draw for the Hong Kong Government Lottery and night-club entertainments were fully covered. Three concerts given by the finalists of the 1962 Hong Kong Schools Music Festival were re- corded in the City Hall and broadcast later. International artistes heard over the station in 'live' performances included Bobby Vee, Jo Ann Campbell, The Ventures, Tony Brady and Anton Karas. Three 30-minute programmes outlining the history of modern classical music were recorded in the studios by the noted American pianist, composer and conductor, Harold Schramm. In August a special representative was sent to Djakarta to cover the Fourth Asian Games, and 15-minute daily reports were flown back for broadcasting.