INTRODUCTION-GENERAL REVIEW

THE pattern of sound broadcasting remained constant during the year, both Chinese and English Services opening at 0600 daily, the Chinese closing at midnight and the English at 0100. Whilst for much of the day the AM and FM transmitters of each Service carry the same programme, the Chinese Service carries alternative programmes on AM and FM between 0800 and 0900 and between 2000 and 2115 daily, and the English between 0600 and 0900 and 2015 and approximately 2300 daily.

2. The main area of expansion concerned Radio Hong Kong Television. This is a division of the department established for the purpose of producing public affairs programmes for transmission by the commercial television companies under the terms of their agreements with the Government. In my last report I noted that the bulk of the equipment required for the division was to be installed during 1971. Installation was completed during the year, staff were recruited and trained, and regular production of programmes began.

3. Work on the provision of the necessary additional office accommodation required for television staff did not begin in 1971, as I had envisaged in my last report and is unlikely to begin before the end of 1972. The makeshift arrangements which have had to be carried out added to the problems of working up the television division. Full details of its operations will be found in the chapter on Television.

4. The year was notable for pageantry and disaster and in both, Radio Hong Kong was deeply involved. The visit of H.R.H. The Princess Anne, the departure of H.E. Sir David TRENCH and the arrival of H.E. Sir Murray MACLEHOSE resulted in a very large number of outside broadcasts, whilst Typhoon Rose and its aftermath fully stretched all staff in maintaining broadcast services of information; fortunately RHK installations suffered only minor damage, although a power failure led to the mediumwave transmitters being off the air for some time at the height of the storm.

5. The results of the second audience research survey into Chinese listening habits, carried out in March and April 1971, indicated very clearly that whilst there had been a substantial reduction in the sizes

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