COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA
Subscription Television
Following a comprehensive review of the broadcasting environment in Hong Kong, the government drew up a regulatory framework to encourage the development of a subscription television service. Interested parties were invited to forward proposals to establish a subscription television service in Hong Kong. It was expected that a licence would be issued in early 1993.
Radio Television Hong Kong (Television)
During 1992, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) produced 12 hours of public affairs television programmes each week. Of these, five hours of programmes were broadcast in prime time throughout the week on the Chinese channels of the two commercial stations (TVB and ATV). Most of RTHK's programmes focus on promoting civic responsibility and social awareness. They fall basically into six categories: current affairs, drama, information and community services, variety and games shows, children's and youth programmes and general educational programmes. According to a media report the average audience size of RTHK programmes during prime time on the two commercial stations was 1 275 785 and 206 962. RTHK continued to win the viewers' support in an independent survey on qualitative rating.
The year 1992 was an important year historically for Hong Kong. It saw the departure of one Governor, Lord Wilson, and the arrival of the new Governor Mr Chris Patten. RTHK-provided live television coverage of both events. As regards current affairs generally, with the Common Sense, Headliner, City Forum and Media Watch programmes, current issues are explored and analysed through different perspectives which encourage better public understanding of social events. Today in LegCo, a weekly production, allows the public to assess the performance of those serving in the Legislative Council.
For drama, the highlight of 1992 was the production of two new feature dramas. Below the Lion Rock reflected the social and psychological change in the run-up to 1997 and the Disabled Drama series portrayed the disabled and how they integrate into the community.
In collaboration with the Construction Industry Training Authority and the Hong Kong Housing Authority, RTHK produced a very successful variety show promoting the role and work of the two organisations. The annual Summer Youth Programme encouraged young people to make use of their leisure time with healthy activities. Academic Quiz helped to promote the broadening of knowledge and to spotlight the talented.
Programmes designed for youth and children were another focus of production. Play School had special features every week to cater for children of pre-school age; while Science Time with a lively presentation introduced various science-related topics. Community Youth Club Workshop and the new Youth Programme featured various phenomena and view- points of young people. The Parenting Programme focused on family education and the improvement of understanding between the two generations.
In educational programmes, language continued to be one of the main topics. A new English language series was produced adopting the format of the British Broadcasting Corporation's The Lost Secret and adding local teaching materials. A daily One Minute's English was also a new programme teaching English words in an easy-to-understand manner. The Putonghua series continued to be produced to facilitate the learning of the language.
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