RTHK_1975-1976 — Page 17

is to structure two entirely separate radio channels to cater for all tastes.

48.

The broadcasting highlight of the year for RTHK was of course the visit by the Queen in May 1975. Over the four day period the English staff of RTHK organised no less than 19 outside broadcasts, including multi point o/b's on the arrival and departure of the Royal couple. From a purely broadcasting point of view the event showed the ability of the various sections of the station, especially Engineering, to be able to work as a highly efficient unit. The technical aspects of the outside products were near perfect and a credit to the engineering staff who took part.

Serious Music

49.

The reputation of RTHK's Serious Music section has been well established since the early beginnings of FM broadcasting some sixteen years ago. The section's output was steadily increased over the years as broadcasting hours were extended on Radio 4 and today the small but industrious section produces an average of 50 hours of programming a week, ranging from "popular classic" request shows to specialist series and music-educational programmes.

50.

Much of the year was taken up in planning the introduction of FM Stereo scheduled for the end of the year under review. With the growing popularity of FM Stereo, and the ready availability of reasonably priced stereo capable tuners it was essential that programming on Radio 4 would be attractive to a wide range of listeners, and not just to lovers of serious or classical music. Simultaneously a review was made of the stereo material available in the library at RTHK and the condition of such material.

As 8 result a large number of replacement recordings were ordered to meet the standards required for good stereo broadcasting.

51.

Clive Simpson continued to supervise the Serious Music section assisted by John Charles and part time contributors Bernard Lewis, Helen Draper and Helen Lee. On the departure of John Charles, Mr. Tom Pniewski, a member of the Music Department of the Chinese University, was appointed Programme Officer.

52.

In addition to the popular concert programmes, a large number of special broadcasts marked composers' anniversaries. Among these were commemorative programmes discussing the lives and works of Bizet, Satie, Hahn, Coleridge- Taylor, Allesandro Scarlatti, Johann Strauss Jr., Capland, Sammartini, Ruggles, and Wolf-Ferrari.

53.

"Musics of the World" provided an introduction to

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