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THE MEDIA
programmes for primary schools which are transmitted five days a week, each com- mercial licensee providing about four hours each day for this series.
At the end of 1973 legislation was introduced enabling the installation of aerial distribution systems, broadcast relay services and closed circuit television systems. The general use of these had previously been inhibited by the terms of the wired franchise to Rediffusion (Hong Kong). Due to Hong Kong's terrain, combined with the large number of high-rise buildings, there are many areas where difficulty is experienced in receiving adequate television signals. It is expected, therefore, that extensive use will be made of aerial distribution and broadcast relay systems in the future.
As a medium of entertainment and information, television continued to expand rapidly during 1973. At the end of the year it was estimated that television ownership had risen to 700,000 households, and 2,390,000 people now watched television daily. Sales of colour TV sets showed a marked increase and it is expected that before long the majority of televisions sold will be colour receivers.
Sound Broadcasting
Hong Kong is served by two radio broadcasting organisations each operating English and Chinese sound channels. Radio Hong Kong is financed from general revenue and carries no advertising. There are two separate channels in Chinese and English broadcasting from 6 am to 1 am on AM and FM. The aim of the service is to provide a wide range of programmes of interest to all sections of the community with particular emphasis on news and public affairs.
The most notable advance in 1973 was the formation of a newsroom within Radio Hong Kong providing news broadcasts on the hour throughout the day. In addition to news stories covering the local scene, reports are also received from overseas correspondents who maintain a regular link with Radio Hong Kong's newsroom. Radio Hong Kong is also the first broadcasting service in Southeast Asia to relay the BBC world news by satellite daily.
Heavy involvement in community affairs was the keynote of Commercial Radio's Chinese programmes during 1973. The station raised more than a million dollars. for the Community Chest from listeners who participated in the two 'Commercial Radio Walk for a Million' walkathons. This figure was more than 10 per cent of the Community Chest target. The station also strongly supported campaigns, such as the Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign, and the Fight Violent Crime Campaign. News, educational and all round entertainment programmes in Chinese were strengthened.
Two trends in public taste have affected English programmes of Commercial Radio during 1973. One was the increased interest in news and current affairs—both local and international-and the other the 're-discovery of radio'. Listener reaction and demand for up-to-the-minute news reports have led to fuller and more frequent coverage on practically every aspect of news from the introduction of the daily 'Police Report' at 7.30 am to the twice daily 20-30 minute extensive news bulletins.