BACKGROUND
The BBC Eastern Relay Station in Hong Kong transmits English and language service programmes to Northern China, Japan and Korea using 2 x 250 kw transmitters. A 24 hour MW service for Hong Kong was introduced by the WS in late 1989.
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The future of the Hong Kong relay station post 1997 is unclear. The matter has not been raised with the Chinese authorities. The BBC have put forward a proposal for construction of a new shortwave relay station in Thailand which would be financed and operated jointly with Radio Nederland. The station would not only enhance WS signals to the sub-continent (an FCO priority) but could also be used as a replacement for Hong Kong should the transmitter there cease to be available after the Colony reverts to Chinese rule.
3. Funding of £3.06 for this project has been included in the PES bid for the next three year period (1991-94) for site acquisition and related costs in Thailand. However, in a very difficult PES year there must be doubt as to whether these funds will be available. Both site acquisition and subsequent construction remain subject to FCO approval of detailed investment cases which the BBC will have to submit in due course.
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