TNAG-1556-FCO40-2120-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 38

XCC (86)182

Conclusion

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Page

7

The Secretary for Administrative Services and Information considers that the above proposals strike a reasonable balance. This will enable RTHK to retain a high degree of flexibility, but ensures that it is subject to checking by the executive and the legislature and, at the same time allows the Administration to retain an acceptable level of financial control. The proposed financing arrangements will give RTHK greater freedom to decide its priorities and to plan well ahead, while confining the overall expenditure of the department within fairly close parameters determined in advance by the Administration. The proposed division of functions between the Board and the Director of Broadcasting will give the Board the freedom it will require to determine the broad policy objectives of RTHK, while at the same time enabling the Director of Broadcasting to carry out the chief editor's role without undue interference by the Board.

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It should be noted however that the inclusion of an official member on the Board, while enabling the Administration to exercise some influence on both the financial and editorial role of the Board and to maintain a closer liaison with the Board, may affect the public's perception of the Board's (and the broadcaster's) independence.

Staffing Arrangements

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the

As RTHK would remain within the public service, existing staffing arrangements should in general continue, but sufficient flexibility should be allowed to enable the Director of Broadcasting to meet the station's objectives.

RTHK and the Broadcasting Authority

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regulation by

the

RTHK should be subject to Broadcasting Authority in the same way as commercial

with regard to

particularly

whether its

broadcasters, programmes meet with the standards laid down by the Authority.

II.

PRESENCE OF RTHK ON TELEVISION

The BRB's Proposals

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The

BRB,

noting

that

the two TV licensees understandably place emphasis on the production of programmes with mass appeal, especially during prime time, has concluded

that: -