TNAG-1695-FCO40-2351-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-1987 — Page 38

DR. HO:

Sir,

сер

RAFT

KAM-FA

DRAFT SPEECH BY DR HON HO KAM-FAN, OBE,

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

-

/8 JULY 1987

Broadcasting Authority Bill 1987

JP

Xroadcasting Authority

The establishment of a Broadcasting Authority to

کہا

replace the Television Advisory Board and the Television

Authority in the administration of the Television Ordinance is definitely an improvement in two aspects. Unlike the Television Advisory Board, the Broadcasting Authority is vested with executive power and thus will be more efficient in the control and regulation of television broadcasting. Greater public participation in policy formulation in the broadcasting industry is made possible by way of a non-official chairman and a majority of non-official members. However, in order for the public preferences and viewing standards to be truthfully and adequately reflected in the policy, the quality of the non-official members to be appointed to the Broadcasting Authority is of primary concern. A much longer period of residence in Hong Kong for a member, say years, than the 180-day or 300-day requirement as specified in clause 4 (8) (a)

and (b), should be considered. This length of residence is necessary for the member to be well acquainted with the social, cultural and moral conditions and standards of the local

community. I am glad to say that the Administration has agreed to support amendments to this effect at committee stage.

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The question as to whether persons intimately involved in the electronic media should be made members of the Authority, is open to debate. My personal view is that the member's professional knowledge and practical experiences in broadcasting are valuable to the deliberation of policy issues, but his pecuniary interest should not be allowed to exert undue influence on policy decisions by way of voting. Clause 12 of the Bill provides for the setting up of advisory committees and

ster be.

Lite,

l.c.

(I)