TNAG-2278-FCO40-3278-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Radio-Television-Hong-Kong-Board-of-Gove-1991 — Page 110

McKinsey&Con

Y lac

RELAUNCHING RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG

FOR SUCCESS AS A CORPORATISED ENTITY

Final Report

Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) has played an important role on the Hong Kong broadcasting scene for more than 60 years, addressing audience segments and needs that would not be served adequately by commercial broadcasters, providing a vehicle for broad communication on issues of public interest, and helping to set broadcasting

standards.

The Hong Kong Government recognises the unique contributions made by RTHK, and remains committed to supporting it as a public broadcaster. Building on the recommendations of the Broadcasting Review Board and consistent with the public-sector reform process, the Executive Council last year determined that RTHK will be given independent status as a Government-subvented statutory corporation as of December 1991. At the same time, Government intends to rationalise funding in line with its overall initiative of improved value for money in the public sector.

Corporatisation will reinforce RTHK's independence and objectivity as a public broadcaster. It also will offer RTHK an exciting opportunity to build on its programming and production strengths to become a quality-driven, innovative enterprise. While the new organisation will be more focused and leaner, it will enjoy greater freedom to pursue programme initiatives in a more entrepreneurial atmosphere. In this sense, corporatisation is an opportunity to relaunch RTHK, and embark on a new era of public broadcasting in Hong Kong.

To prepare for these changes, the McKinsey team has articulated a vision of the future for Radio Television Hong Kong Corporation (RTHKC) as a distinctive, vibrant, and efficiently managed public broadcaster. RTHKC should be distinguished for its broadcasting quality, for its ability to attract and develop talented professionals, and for its efficient management. Throughout the study, the team has worked in close consultation with the project Steering Committee and in particular with RTHK management and the Recreation and Culture Branch.