XN000022-1973-01-31 — Page 2

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