XN000022-1995-02-23 — Page 19

-

18-

Preliminary application forms are now obtainable from the Agriculture and Fisheries Department and the Immigration Department. Completed forms should be submitted between March 1 and 31. Late applications will not be entertained.

Enquiries about the new arrangement may be directed to the Agriculture and Fisheries Department on telephone 2733 2201 or to the Immigration Department on 2852 3421.

End/Thursday, February 23, 1995

No decision yet on Government broadcast channels

The inter-departmental Working Group set up to examine how to make the best use of the Government channels on Wharf Cable's network has completed its report, which is now being considered within the Administration.

According to the Group's detailed study, there are two main ways in which the channels can be used, namely, as a public broadcasting service and as a public access service.

However, the Group has identified a number of substantive and complex issues, particularly in regard to a public access channel.

"For instance, abuse of the facility is a very real danger," a spokesman for the Recreation and Culture Branch said today (Thursday).

"Experience overseas shows that there is a possibility that due to the lack of interest by users amongst the general public, the facility could end up being dominated by and be a mouthpiece for, commercial or undesirable fringe elements seeking self- publicity," he added.

Another major difficulty is how to balance the need to ensure programmes do not offend public sensitivities to the same standards as are applied to broadcast TV, while at the same time safeguarding freedom of expression and avoiding pre- censorship.

"Therefore a decision to proceed with such a public access facility has to be taken with great care, and cannot be rushed," the spokesman stressed.