XN000022-1996-05-01 — Page 71

Reply:

(c)

58

whether the policy referred to in (a) above prohibits the use of the air time for broadcasting political propaganda; if so, how the Administration will ensure that this policy is adhered to?

The licences of commercial television broadcasters make provision for the broadcasting of Government programmes at the direction of the Broadcasting Authority, subject to the time limits set out in Section 8A (which is annexed) of the Television Ordinance. The present practice is that RTHK uses this facility to provide programmes which inform, educate and entertain Hong Kong people. In doing so, RTHK exercises editorial independence in deciding on the nature and content of the programmes it produces.

In addition, the licences of the commercial television broadcasters also make provision for the broadcasting of Announcements in the Public Interest (API), subject to the time limits set out in their licences. These APIs carry messages from either Government departments or non-governmental organisations, such as the Red Cross or the Community Chest.

As regards radio, RTHK exercises editorial independence in planning and producing its own radio programmes. The commercial radio stations are required under their licensing conditions to broadcast APIs supplied by Government and non- governmental organisations. RTHK also broadcasts such APIs.

The Preparatory Committee has requested Government's assistance in providing them with television and radio air time. We have explained to the Preparatory Committee secretariat that to enable us to take forward our consideration of their request, we would need more information from them as regards their proposal. The Administration will consider the Preparatory Committee's request on the basis of existing broadcasting legislation and policy.

Regulation 7 of the Commercial Television (Advertising) Regulations provides that no advertisement of a political nature shall be broadcast. As for radio, paragraph 8(m) of the Radio Code of Practice on Advertising Standards similarly provides that no advertisement of a political nature shall be broadcast by a licensee, except with the prior approval of the Broadcasting Authority. RTHK does not carry advertising.

End