TNAG-1556-FCO40-2120-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 25

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After much heart searching and debate within the

Administration but with due regard for the strength of

public opinion, the Government has decided to

introduce legislation to provide that RTHK should in

future be answerable to an independent statutory Board

of Governors to be appointed by the Governor. So

that the Board will reflect the views of the Community

as a whole and to ensure its independence, it is

proposed that the Governors should be drawn from the

community with the addition of a representative from

the Administration. The statutory functions of the

Board will be to implement the broad policy objectives

of RTHK that will be laid down in the Ordinance.

These will emphasise the duty to inform and educate

the public, and widely to disseminate news and current

affairs. RTHK must continue to be and be seen to be a

balanced and objective public broadcaster.

funding of RTHK will continue to come from the public

purse, and its staff will remain within the public

service, subject only to the cash limits set by

Government year by year, the Board will be free to

The

pursue the policy I have described, and will make a

report each year. .