Post_Office_1950-1951 — Page 15

HOURS OF TRANSMISSION.

33. During the period under review, broadcasting hours remained

as follows:

English Section:

Weekdays

1210-1400,

1800-2330

Saturdays

1210-2330

Sundays

1000-2330

Bank Holidays

0800-2330

Chinese Sections:

Weekdays and

Saturdays

1200-1400,

1800-2330

Sundays

1200-1400,

1800-2330

Bank Holidays

0800-2400

In September 1950 steps were taken to ensure that ZEK closed promptly at midnight when a Chinese play was being relayed. This action was taken following receipt of a number of complaints of noise after midnight.

CHINESE PROGRAMME.

34. Two serious problems have beset ZEK. The first is that it is still almost impossible to get Chinese records in the Colony. A few were bought during the year-but wastage runs far ahead of replenishment. The second is that Radio Hong Kong has not been in a position to pay the fees necessary to attract many local artists of talent. If these two difficulties could have been overcome, considerable improvements could have been made in ZEK programmes. Several programmes were arranged in co-operation with other Government departments and public organizations. Of these, it is principally interesting to note: Education Letterbox and the special Education Week broadcasts (in conjunction with Education Department); answers to inquiries on the registration of British Subjects, (in conjunction with Public Relations Office); talks on Social Welfare in the Colony (as arranged by the Council of Social Service); and Flower Day appeals (in conjunction with various charitable organizations). As noted above, theatre relays were taken to midnight only.

In the autumn, soccer commentaries were started, and these proved very popular. The news in Cantonese, as relayed by the Voice of America, was discontinued on 23rd January. In its place, ZEK relayed the news in Kuoyu from the BBC.

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