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seven languages and has an audience reach of approximately 300 million people across Asia, using AsiaSat 3S and Palapa C2 as its satellite platform.
Galaxy Satellite Broadcasting Limited, another satellite television broadcaster based in Hong Kong, launched its service in August 1998. Using the Apstar IIR satellite, it offers one entertainment channel and one drama channel. Both channels are broadcast in Putonghua and are encrypted for subscription by customers in places outside Hong Kong.
In July, the Chief Executive in Council granted a satellite television uplink and downlink Licence to APT Satellite Glory Limited.
Video-on-demand Programme Service
Cable & Wireless HKT VOD Limited (formerly known as Hong Kong Telecom VOD Limited) launched the world's first commercial-scale video-on-demand programme service in March 1998. Its programme services include films, entertainment programmes, music videos, educational programmes and horse racing information. Home shopping and home banking services are also provided through the same
network.
Digital Terrestrial Television
On completion of the 1998 Review of Television Policy, the Government made a policy decision to proceed with a technical trial of digital terrestrial television (DTT) with a view to determining a standard for adoption in around 2000. A joint government-industry steering committee was set up to steer and co-ordinate the trial which began in May and is expected to be completed around early 2000.
Radio
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Hong Kong has 13 radio channels seven operated by RTHK, three by Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company Limited and three by Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited.
Radio Television Hong Kong
RTHK is a publicly-funded, editorially independent broadcaster whose mission is to inform, educate and entertain the public through the provision of balanced and objective programmes.
Digital Audio Broadcasting
A technical trial on digital audio broadcasting was conducted jointly by the three sound broadcasters. Taking into account results of the trial, the Government will formulate policy proposals on digital audio broadcasting for consultation with the industry and the community in 2000.
Film Industry
Hong Kong is a major film-producing centre. During the year, it produced 519 films and videos compared with 317 in 1998. Action films, romance and comedies are the main genres.
Cinema-going is a popular leisure activity. Audiences are offered a good variety of foreign and local films. Attendance in 1999 totalled 20 million at 72 cinemas (with