Radio_Hong_Kong_1961-1962 — Page 9

PART I

INTRODUCTION

THE record of important events and public occasions which take place in the Colony during a year reads very much like an account of Radio Hong Kong's activities in the same period. It is, of course, the respon- sibility of the department to reflect in its programmes the day-to-day life of Hong Kong as well as the 'occasions'. This report therefore contains details of many smaller broadcasts and programme contribu- tions as well as accounts of the more important highlights, such as the visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra of Kent, the opening of Hong Kong's new City Hall and the concerts by the London Philhar- monic Orchestra.

2. Although the year was a busy and interesting one there was little alteration in the structure and operation of the department. The period from the 1st April, 1961 to 31st March, 1962 can be looked upon as a year of consolidation after the important developments of the previous twelve months during which the V.H.F./F.M. services were introduced in both the English and Chinese networks. These in them- selves called for the major re-organization described in the previous Annual Departmental Report.

3. The English and Chinese services of Radio Hong Kong are now broadcast for seventeen hours each day from 0700-2400 hrs. This total of 34 hours a day compares favourably with the output of other broad- casting organizations in the world, though not unnaturally it throws a considerable strain on the limited resources of the programme and engineering staffs and available facilities.

4. Studio, office and indeed all accommodation has continued to be a serious problem. At the close of the year plans were in hand to alleviate the immediate situation, but the permanent solution which the department has been seeking for the past four years has yet to be found.

5. The English and Chinese Services continued to provide the wide variety of programmes which are to be expected in a public service broadcasting system, but particular mention should be made of the greatly increased number of outside broadcasts and recorded interviews which are now a regular feature in both networks. Large multi-point

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