TNAG-0351-FCO40-387-Future-of-broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1972 — Page 12

CONFIDENTIAL

ANNEX A

TO XCC(72) 2

For discussion

on 22nd February 1972

XCC(72)14 Copy No

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

THE FUTURE OF BROADCASTING

On 5th March 1957, Rediffusion (Hong Kong) Limited was granted an exclusive licence under the Telecommunication Ordinance (Chapter 106) to operate a wired television service, which could both originate programmes and relay the programmes of other broadcasters. The licence expires on 30th April 1973 and does not contain a right of renewal. In 1965, after a public tender, a licence was granted under the Television Ordinance (Chapter 52) to Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) giving the Company an exclusive right to operate a wireless television service for five years from 19th November 1967. Thereafter the licence is renewable every five years on a non-exclusive basis until November 1982.

2

On 23rd December 1970 a working party was appointed

to make recommendations inter alia on:

3

CA

(a)

(b)

(c)

whether the licence issued to Television Broadcasts limited should be renewed as provided for under the Television Ordinance, and whether a new licence should be issued to Rediffusion (Hong Kong) Limited;

whether additional television broadcasting licences should be granted and, if so, the number of such licences considered desirable;

the terms and conditions under which the existing television broadcast licence should be renewed and new television broadcast licences or relay licences be issued.

The working party consisted of the following members:

Mr J.W.D. Hobley

Mrs Grace Ho)

Mr C. K. Lo )

Chairman

Members of the Television

Advisory Board

The Director of Broadcasting

The Director of Information Services

The Postmaster General

The Deputy Financial Secretary

The Principal Assistant Colonial Secretary (General).

The report was submitted on 2nd October 1971 and a copy is annexed.

CONFIDENTIAL