TNAG-1556-FCO40-2120-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 42

XCC (86) 182

PUBLIC REACTION

34

Page

11

there was

of

During consultation on the BRB Report, widespread support for a more independent RTHK . A decision to enhance RTHK's editorial independence and integrity through the creation of a statutory authority is thus likely to be welcomed by the general public. The public is also likely to regard the establishment of а Board of Governors composed largely non-officials as a healthy extension of public participation in the broadcasting industry. Some media commentary may criticise the proposals for not going far enough to secure media freedom and may speculate on the Government's motives for resisting absolute independence for the station. Similarly some members of the public may consider that even with a Board, RTHK cannot be truly independent as the Administration would retain a strong control over RTHK through both administrative and financial mechanisms.

35

In view of widespread public concern

concern that RTHK should not be subject to commercial pressures, the public will welcome the decision to continue funding RTHK primarily through public funds. This will also meet the public's concern of maintaining the high standard of RTHK's programmes. Similarly, a rejection of the BRB's proposal to give RTHK a monopoly of certain hours of television prime time and the introduction, instead, of more flexible arrangements, will be welcomed by the public whilst the television licensees will find this arrangement less unacceptable than the BRB's recommendation. Nevertheless licensees

still complain

the about

handing over of increased air-time during the prime time hours to RTHK. The public is also likely to be supportive of an

an overall increase in television air time for RTHK.

may

36 prudent.

PUBLICITY

Overall, the proposed changes will be regarded as

C

37

The Executive Council's advice has now been sought on most of the major recommendations of the BRB. Subject to members

Council's decision today on agreement,

this and the papers on advertising,

will be as well as previous papers, announced as

In view soon as possible at a press conference. of the importance of the BRB's recommendations on the post 1988 broadcasting policy, the Secretary for Administrative Services and Information suggests that the Administration should make a statement on the major proposals which have been accepted by Council at the forthcoming Legislative Council meeting. For members' reference, at Annex C is a list of all the decisions reached so far on the BRB's proposals, indicating in each case whether the proposal has been accepted, accepted with

modifications, or rejected.