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"For the time being, therefore, we think that there is some merit in keeping these policy responsibilities separate. Nonetheless, given the rapid changes in broadcasting markets and technologies, we shall keep the matter under review".
The Government has also endorsed the Council's view that newspaper owners, their associates and controllers should be disqualified from holding television licences. It plans to bring forward legislation to this effect in the next Legislative Council session.
Mr Chau further disclosed that the Government had proposed to lift the specific ban on Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) participating in the pay TV market and to allow it to bid for any licence under the Television Ordinance. However, to avoid the risk the HKT might dominate the market for the supply of television services through a fixed wire network, the Government intends to maintain the existing ban on HKT exercising control over the first pay television licensee.
On public participation in the work of the Broadcasting Authority (BA), Mr Chau noted that some 600 members of the public were already serving on various television advisory committees and panels. "We believe that the BA already has access to a wide range of relevant experience and expertise, while facilitating the efficient despatch of business," he said.
The Authority has held a number of public hearings on licence renewals in recent years and is currently looking at the scope for opening meetings of its Working Group on Codes of Practice to the public.
As regards the Council's call for the free competition clauses contained in broadcasting licences to be strengthened and given statutory backing, the Secretary said no problems had yet been encountered with the existing provisions, which were very wide-ranging. He pointed out that the Broadcasting Authority already had a variety of sanctions to enforce the provisions and he did not consider that there was a need for legislation unless a practical need could be demonstrated.
On public broadcasting issues, Mr Chau maintained that the Government did not see any justification for changing its decision last year not to take up channels on Wharf Cable for public broadcasting and community access services.
He said it would be difficult to justify the cost, adding that there were already many avenues for community groups and individuals to air their views.
"Moreover, public access channels elsewhere have come to be dominated by a few groups, and raise difficult regulatory issues," he added.
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