Wednesday, January 31, 1973
UNOFFICIALS SUPPORT TELEVISION HILL
Proper Control Of TV Media Called For
The Hon. Wilson Wang told the Legislative Council today it was
necessary to impose restraints on Hong Kong's television media to ensure that
it made the best use of its facilities to serve the public.
Speaking during the resumed debate on the Television (Amendment) Bill
1973, Mr. Wang warned that television, if allowed a completely free rein,
could be both a public menace and a nuisance which could seduce, corrupt
and interfere.
"On the other hand, with a proper degree of control and with
enlightened handling," he added, "it can be a cultural asset, virtually second
to none."
He felt it was therefore important that the Government be given the
power and machinery to impose whatever controls might be necessary, and to
encourage the television stations to produce programmes that would "enrich,
educate and entertain without undermining the very fabric of the community."
In his opinion, the Bill enabled the introduction and maintenance of
an increased number of television channels "on a fair and competitive basis s0
that through healthy competition and cooperation the standard of production
and the quality of programmes may be improved."
The Bill introduced a number of changes to the Television Ordinance,
particularly in respect of the composition of licensee companies and share
holdings, the composition of the Television Advisory Board, the amount of permitted
advertising time and rate of royalty.
/It passed