TNAG-0351-FCO40-387-Future-of-broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1972 — Page 142

ว

CONFIDENTIAL

機密

For discussion

on 12th December 1972

XCC(72)91

Copy No. 32.

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

THE FUTURE OF BROADCASTING

WIRED TELEVISION

At its meetings on 22nd February and 11th April 1972, After considering memoranda XCC(72)14 and XCC(72)28, Council advised and the Governor ordered inter alia:

(a)

(b)

that on the expiry of the existing exclusive licence for a wired television service held by Rediffusion (Hong Kong) Limited no further monopoly be permitted in this field; and

that Rediffusion's existing wired television licence should be extended for the period between its expiry on 30th April 1973 and the date when the second wireless television licensee commences broadcasting.

This memorandum deals with the remaining recommendations about wired television made by the Working Party on the future of broad- casting. (Recommendations 70-82).

Wired Programme Origination

Wired television systems can:

2

(a)

distribute original programmes; or

(b)

relay the broadcasts of wireless television licensees; or

(c)

combine (a) and (b).

The Working Party recommended that, if renewed, Rediffusion's present wired television licence should not permit origination.

3

This licence was granted on 5th March 1957 and re- mains in force until 30th April 1973. It conveys the exclusive right to provide subscribers with a wired television service of either original or relayed programmes. Rediffusion could in practice do no more than originate programmes until TVB commenced broadcasting on 19th November 1967. Even thereafter copyright problems have prevented them from exercising their relay rights.

4

As the service they have provided is no longer econo- mically viable, they will probably not want to continue originating programmes for wired distribution. But if they (or any other company) apply to do this, the matter will be referred to Members for a decision. None is meanwhile necessary.

CONFIDENTIAL

機密