TNAG-1986-FCO40-2819-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 3

Broadcasting Review Board (BRB)'s Recommendations

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In its August 1985 report, the BRB argued that it was in the best interests of Hong Kong to have a public broadcaster which was not only independent but also clearly seen to be independent. It therefore recommended that RTHK should be dis-established from Government and reconstituted as an independent corporation with its Own Board of Governors appointed by the Governor. This was not supported by the Administration at that time, primarily because none of the options for an increased presence for RTHK on television and for funding an independent RTHK put forward by the BRB were acceptable. We recommended instead that RTHK be placed under the direction of a statutory Board of Governors appointed by the Governor. Under these arrangements, the department would be the executive the Board, similar to the relationship between the Housing Authority and Housing Department,

or that of the Urban Council and Urban Services Department and the Regionai Council and Regional Services Department.

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arm of

In November 1986, Members endorsed in principle the proposal that RTHK should be placed under a Board of Governors and be subject to certain stipulated financial and administrative arrangements. The principal objectives of establishing the proposed Board were to enhance the identity of RTHK as an objective and editorially independent broadcaster and to allow more flexibility in its day-to-day operations.

Review

8

Taking int o

account Members'

advice when

considering memorandum XCC (89) 24 on 14 February 1989, the Administration has re-examined the issues and concluded that should be re-constituted as an independent statutory body. We consider that -

RTHK

(a)

(b)

formal

corporatisation will be regarded as а more and permanent guarantee of editorial independence;

In

corporatisation will permit RTHK a more flexible approach to staffing

staffing policy than government procedures allow. This would be highly desirable if RTHK is to respond quickly to a changing market. particular, RTHK needs greater freedom as regards its finances. Despite the flexibility it currently enjoying and the prospect of further relaxation, RTHK as a government department is subject to Civil Service Regulations and other

is

government procedures;

CONFIDENTIAL