TNAG-1730-FCO40-2443-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 94

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There is no doubt that the standard of television production

here matches anywhere else in, the world in technique and entertainment

value. But with the exception of government productions,

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it fails miserably in living up to the two other key functions

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and effects of television, that is, to inform and educate.

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And our young people, who are most susceptible to such influence, stand to lose a great deal.

Producers often argue that art, particularly popular art, has to reflect real life so if in real life young people behave immorally, talk badly, act and react violently, abuse freedom by forsaking self-discipline and respect for others, all these are truthfully and realistically portrayed everyday in our most powerful and influential media. I cannot and will not be convinced that a force with such persuasive influence on thought, could be totally free of moral responsibility, particularly towards our young.

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Television, more than any other media, must be acutely aware of its power and the social responsibility that must accompany the exercise of that power; and no excuse should it allow itself to forgo that burden. Paradoxically, and in spite of producers'

quests for realism, dramatic licence is often stretched beyond the limit of propriety, in scenes blatantly contrary to practices and conventions and truth of different trades, industries and

professions in real life.

28 A recent finale of a controversial drama serial, depicting a

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courtroom scene, was the subject of serious criticism and ridicule

in our legal and judicial circles, but was, at the same time,

applauded by a great many young people who said they were deeply touched by its realism. Will these people ever know that what saw could never have happened in a courtroom in Hong Kong ? 34 Who has to answer for the ignorance that results ?

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Many, of course, would look to the Broadcasting Authority to