XN000022-1972-12-22 — Page 3

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Friday, December 22, 1972

Amplifying the reasons for this time differential Mr. Watt referred

to the technical problems. He said, "It must be remembered that under

international conventions Hong Kong is permitted to use only a limited number

of frequencies for television broadcasting. In fitting the future services

into the frequency bands the maximum use has been made of all the available

channels. We have made careful engineering checks and computer checks on

our proposed frequency plan to reduce to a minimum the risk of any interference

between one programmes service and another but the final test can only be made

when the new transmitters themselves are tested. Once all the proposed services

are operating the available frequencies will be in full use and it will be

difficult to make subsequent frequency changes if such prove necessary. Phasing

of these new services will make it easier to make such adjustments and thus

will minimise the risk of viewers having their programmes disrupted."

With regard to special programme services, Mr. Watt added that details

will be contained in the tender notices.

The provision of such services would not be a condition of tender.

However, if tenderers volunteer such services it might assist the overall spread

of programming in the public interest. The longer tender period will enable

this to be done against the background of the proposed programme schedules of

the successful applicant for the second station together with TVB's current

schedules.

Referring to the Bill, the Commissioner said that the Television

Ordinance when amended by the proposed legislation would apply equally to all

television stations in Hong Kong.

The Bill