TNAG-1555-FCO40-2119-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 353

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Whatever decisions are made about the future of

broadcasting, they must be based on common sense and sound judgement, and above all they must be made in the wider public interest. Some of the Board's proposals have, as I said before, been the subject of a vigorous public debate

over the past few months. The objective now is to see beyond the controversies, to avoid being swayed by emotion and tendentious arguments, and to take a cool look at the

real issues in order to arrive at solutions which will be

welcomed by the public and, viewed dispassionately, accepted by the private interests involved.

Board itself

The broadcasting industry in Hong Kong is, as

the Review

acknowledged, "in a healthy

state". We have little

reason to denigrate and many reasons to be proud. The Board has suggested ways of making improvements. These recommendations, the views of Members expressed today, other representations that have been made and the need to take a closer look at the implications of cablevision and satellite broadcasting

must all now be brought together by the Government.

Conclusions must be reached in

in the light of the advice received and these conclusions must be publicly explained. Whatever decisions are taken, they must be

taken in with the aim of improving the industry, of fostering its growth and its competitiveness, its sense of responsibility, its contribution to knowledge, to enjoyment, to information and its service to the people.