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people could receive digital broadcasts of the Beijing 2008 Olympics. The two broadcasters will continue to extend the digital network to achieve almost full coverage by 2011.
To plan ahead on the development of mobile multimedia services, the next wave of advance in broadcasting technologies, the Government completed two public consultations on mobile TV and related digital broadcasting services in 2007 and 2008. Taking into account views received from the public and the industry, international trends and technological advances, the Government formulated the framework for development of mobile TV services and announced details on spectrum availability, allocation, assignment and licensing arrangements in December 2008. OFTA plans to release the concerned spectrum for broadcast-type mobile TV services by way of auction in 2009.
In the light of media and technological convergence, the Government also sees the need to review the future policy and arrangements for public service broadcasting in Hong Kong. Appointed by the Chief Executive in early 2006 and comprising professionals, academics and media practitioners, an independent committee completed its review on public service broadcasting in Hong Kong and submitted the report to the Government in March 2007. The Government is studying the committee report and public views on the relevant issues in mapping out the future public service broadcasting policy.
Film Industry
Hong Kong is one of the world's major film production centres. A total of 67 Hong Kong produced films were released in 2008. Their combined box-office receipts amounted to $263.9 million. By the end of 2008, Hong Kong had 48 cinemas, with 190 screens. Hong Kong's film industry has been well recognised regionally and internationally over the years. In 2008, Hong Kong films (including Hong Kong-Mainland co-productions) and Hong Kong film artists won a total of 39 awards at 16 film festivals and competitions, held in the Mainland and overseas.
Hong Kong Film Development Council
The Government is committed to providing a favourable environment for the healthy long-term development of the film industry in Hong Kong. In order to provide better support to the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED), the Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC) was established on April 15, 2007.
The HKFDC, chaired by a non-official and comprising mainly members from the film industry, is entrusted with broader and more onerous film-related responsibilities to advise the SCED on the policy, strategy and institutional arrangement for the promotion and development of the film industry; the use of public funds to support the film industry; the planning, co-ordination and implementation of film-related activities; the manpower and training needs of the industry; and the promotion of film literacy in the community.