TNAG-1555-FCO40-2119-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 352

-

4

Many paragraphs in the Report deal with the complex issues of cable television and satellite broadcasts and this is one particular issue which I should like to mention specifically this afternoon, that is, the question of cable television and advances in technology in general. It is public knowledge that an application has been made to the government to operate a cable television service to one of our large residential estates. A cable

television service could, it is asserted, offer the

purchaser a greater choice of programmes than provided

over the air. This will require careful evaluation because, if it proved popular, it would clearly have a far-reaching effect upon the existing television broadcast

stations.

Dr. Cham

Cham has also drawn attention to satellite

broadcast reception systems and to recent improvements in technology. It may be, with our high-density, high-rise

residential areas, and the prevalent use of communal aerials in these high-rise buildings, that economies of scale will make these systems more viable in Hong Kong. In any event, their operation would have a profound effect on the broadcasting industry in Hong

Hong Kong. It will, therefore, be essential to reappraise the

to reappraise the recommendations in the Report on cablevision and satellite broadcasting in the light of these fresh developments.

Sir, because of the time constraints in the

Television Ordinance, we expect to reach decisions on the principal recommendations of the Broadcasting Review Board during the course of the next six months and following consultation with the Executive Council to publish a paper setting out the background and the rationale for the

conclusions reached and the decisions taken. Some matters

such as cablevision and satellite reception will almost

certainly require a longer look.

..དང་