XN000022-1995-11-02 — Page 95

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Broadcasting Bill

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Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Cheng and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mrs Rachel Cartland, in the Legislative Council today (Thursday):

Question:

Regarding the Government's failure to introduce the proposed omnibus broadcasting bill into this Council in the last session, will the Government inform this Council whether:

(a) the Government will introduce the bill into this Council in this session; if

so, when it will be introduced; if not, why not;

(b) approval of the Chinese Government is required before the bill can be introduced into this Council; if so, whether it is because the bill involves such issues as the ratio of foreign owned shareholding of a broadcasting corporation and cross-media ownership?

Reply:

Mr President,

It remains the Government's intention to introduce the Broadcasting Bill for consideration by Members in the current Legislative Council session. We cannot yet be more specific about the precise timing. This will depend on the progress of drafting and the time taken for consultation with relevant parties, including the broadcasting industry. As the bill is intended to provide a regulatory basis for the broadcasting industry extending well beyond the change of sovereignty, we intend to consult the Chinese side before finalising it for enactment by this Council.

End/Thursday, November 2, 1995