RTHK_1975-1976 — Page 5

INTRODUCTION

Despite severe budget cuts 1975-76 was a year of dramatic progress in all sections of Radio Television Hong Kong, in both staff re-organisation and in the introduction of new programmes and ideas. Surveys by RTHK and commercial organisations confirmed that television programmes produced by RTHK continued to climb in ratings, while both the Chinese and English radio services continued to become more competitive and successful in competing for the available audience.

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The important role played by the News and Public Affairs team was recognised by the creation of the post of Controller, News & Public Affairs. Jaggit Dillon was promoted to fill it.

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It was decided that both the English & Chinese Radio Services should come under a new post of Controller Radio Programmes and Ken Warburton of the B.B.C. was seconded to it.

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The year also saw an improvement in the staff situation. Recruiting exercises overseas resulted in highly qualified writers and sub editors from New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom joining RTHK's well established news division.

THE YEAR IN TELEVISION

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The year was dominated by preparation work for the merger with ETV and in planning the reallocation of resources and staff in the production areas, at the ETV centre and in Broadcasting House. Although budget cuts were imposed for the second consecutive year, output was kept at a high level by making programmes for 'customer' departments such as G.I.S., the Urban Council and for Road Safety and Drug Campaigns. Additional use of hired colour equipment meant the end of black and white broadcasting and the Cable and Wireless Ltd engineering staff increased their expertise particularly in the field of video tape editing. The audience for government made programmes increased with the creation of a new Chinese

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