standard to apply for an audition. During the year, details of the requirements of applicants were sent out to the press, music circles, impresarios, choral groups, music teachers, etc. Of the hundred or so applicants who were auditioned, the committee found 10 qualified for subsequent broadcasts. Several of the latter were newcomers to Hong Kong. Those who failed to pass the auditions were encouraged to improve their technique and to try again in the future.
Light Music
81. A number of international artists, whose popularity would seem to appeal mainly to the younger generation, visited Hong Kong during the year. There were successful broadcasts by the Blue Diamonds, Tony BRENT, Bobby RYDELL to name but a few.
82. It is likely that the new facilities offered in the City Hall will attract to Hong Kong visits from an increasing number of musicians and entertainers from all over the world, and Radio Hong Kong can doubtless look forward to being kept busy in this field.
83. Light music record programmes are an essential part of a balanced broadcasting service, and there were many such programmes prepared either by staff producers or by the considerable number of contributors which Radio Hong Kong commissions.
Variety
84. The B.B.C. was again the main source of programmes in this field and such popular favourites as 'The Goon Show', 'Take it From Here', 'Life with the Lyons', 'Ray's a Laugh' and 'Hancock's Half Hour' continued successful runs, supplemented by 'We're in Business', 'Something to Shout About', and 'Does the Team Think?'. 'My Word' may also be included under this heading and maintained its remarkably high standard.
Talks, Discussion and Magazine Programmes
85. A large number of talks on a great variety of different subjects were broadcast during the year. Many of them were commissioned from local contributors either for such series as 'Talking about Books' and 'Old Hong Kong', whilst others were incorporated into one or other of the many magazine programmes which Radio Hong Kong broadcasts. 86. "The Government and the People' (see paragraph 13) was probably the most important talks series of the year, but there were one or two others worthy of mention.
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