RTHK_1975-1976 — Page 16

the constant demand, as suitable material cannot be purchased overseas it must be produced locally.

Entertainment Section

43.

This unit also provides outside entertainment proving that the station's talent need not be confined to the recording studio. The unit produced a total of eighteen variety shows and a similar number of musical comedies during the year, working mainly for charity organisations, the aged or disabled, who would not normally have the opportunity to attend such functions.

Sport

44.

As horse racing grows even more popular the station has continued to expand and improve its coverage of race meetings at Happy Valley. Such live broadcasts are far more meaningful today with the advent of the off-course betting shops which allow lovers of the sport to bet and to hear the commentaries without attending the race meeting. Similarly the Chinese service provided live commentaries on more than 60% of the matches in the 75-76 football season, including the three main games against visiting International teams.

ENGLISH RADIO SERVICE (Radio 3 and Radio 4)

45.

The year saw marked changes in the structure of the English Radio Service, still recovering from the sad loss of two senior officers late the previous year. Early May saw the retirement of Miss Wendy Barnes, who at the time of her departure was Acting Controller of the English Service. Miss Barnes contribution to radio and broadcasting both in Hong Kong and other Commonwealth countries was given due recognition when she was awarded an M.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

46.

The early part of the year was spent in re-structuring the programme schedules to gain maximum output from available finance. The new schedules led to a more relaxed style of programming on Radio 3 with members of the Presentation staff taking on regular programme commitments as opposed to straight shift duties. Together with the combined talents of contributing staff the result was less rigid and more entertaining programming.

47.

Much of the year was spent in forward planning to take into account the introduction of FM Stereo programming and the various means available to increase the programme content of Radio 4 outside the scope of Serious Music. The eventual aim

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