THE MEDIA
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modern radio concept where the presenter or disc jockey becomes his own sound engineer. Production studios were also modernised with the introduction of a highly sophisticated, computer-controlled mixing console capable of music production to the highest commercial standards.
To complement the technical expansion, additional staff posts were created in all sections to further enrich the quality and quantity of programmes being produced locally.
Commercial Radio operates two Chinese-language channels and one English channel in the AM medium wave band. The first Chinese service features drama, talk-back programmes and Chinese music. The second, which is youth-orientated, broadcasts mainly Cantonese and western popular music with news bulletins at half- hourly intervals. The English channel serves the young English-speaking Chinese and European communities with popular music, and the older members with up-to-the minute news and topical talk-back programmes, as well as special programmes for businessmen.
Commercial Radio's three services extended their outside broadcast coverage of both special events and entertainment during the year. Live broadcasts of sports retained their popularity, especially racing and football on the Chinese channels and golf on the English channel. All services were involved in the promotion of live shows by local and visiting artistes.
The year has seen considerable growth in both advertising revenue and audience, reflecting the return to radio which is being experienced all over the world.
The Ministry of Defence operates a broadcasting service for the British and Gurkha forces stationed in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories, from studios at Borneo Lines, Sek Kong. The station's brief is to present programmes of entertain- ment, information and education, and to provide a link with home for servicemen, their families and the civilian component.
The British Forces Broadcasting Service Hong Kong broadcasts for 60 hours a week: 28 hours in Gurkhali, 16 hours in English and 16 hours of early-morning pro- grammes in both languages. Programmes include news from both Nepal and the United Kingdom, popular music of both cultures, requests and a variety of informa- tion programmes. Outside broadcasts cover sporting events, official parades and major displays of the Brigade of Gurkhas and other British military units. The station operates one AM and two FM transmitters.
Government Information Services
The Government Information Services (GIS) forms a major link between the govern- ment, the people of Hong Kong and the rest of the world. The department is organised in three main divisions
news, publicity and public relations - with certain
services common to all three.
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A network of information units has been established in key government depart- ments to develop closer relations with both the news media and the public. There are now 19 of these units staffed by information officers.
The department maintains close relations with the Hong Kong Government Office in London, which it supplies with a daily news round-up.