COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA
RTHK's documentary group participated in co-productions with the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and Film Australia and exchanged programmes for broadcasting so as to promote better understanding between Hong Kong and different countries and cultures.
Several drama series were produced: Below the Lion Rock reflected social phenomena in Hong Kong in the run-up to 1997; Under the Same Roof dealt with family problems while Parenting provided family counselling. Labour Documentary highlighted the successful integration of disabled persons into the community through a docu-drama format.
Variety specials were produced to promote rehabilitation projects. Project Sunshine continued to raise funds for Caritas Hong Kong. Other programmes such as Swinging Summer, I have a Date with Music, CYC Drama, Primary School Quiz and Academic Quiz covered a wide range of concerns and target audiences.
In educational programmes, language continued to be strongly featured. One Minute's English, Putonghua and The Cantonese Language Programme aimed to facilitate the learning of the languages through a light and lively approach. Cultural Programme provided information on cultural activities while Hong Kong's Heritage traced Hong Kong's history and explored its significance in the success of the territory.
There were also programmes associated with different aspects of daily life. Brave New Doctor and Doctor and You covered topics in the medical arena, while Consumer Plan sought to foster public awareness of consumer rights. Brave New Teacher highlighted the significant role of the teaching profession in the community.
RTHK's Educational Television Division and the Education Department continued to produce curriculum-based and special educational programmes for more than 570 000 students from Primary 3 to Secondary 3 levels.
Sound Broadcasting
Fifteen radio channels are broadcast in Hong Kong- seven operated by Radio Television Hong Kong, three by Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company Limited, three by Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited and two by the British Forces Broadcasting Services (BFBS). In addition, STAR TV offers two radio channels and carries two BBC World Service channels as well.
Radio Television Hong Kong (Radio)
Publicly funded RTHK is editorially independent and is charged with providing balanced and objective broadcasting services to inform, educate and entertain the people of Hong Kong. Its news and public affairs programmes aim to provide timely, accurate and thorough coverage of both local and international events. The Director of Broadcasting is the station's editor-in-chief.
RTHK operates seven radio channels, each with an identity of its own. Its main Chinese and English services, Radio 1 and Radio 3, respectively, operate 24 hours a day.
Radio 1 is the main news and information channel of the Chinese Programme Service. Major political and social issues are covered extensively and the public mood of the moment is gauged through the channel's phone-in programmes Talkabout and
325