Radio_Hong_Kong_1963-1964 — Page 22

and to buy. The series was first broadcast by Stations WVNJ and WVNJ- FM of Newark, New Jersey and it is estimated that half a million people heard the programme on each occasion. Since then some thirty other stations across the United States have repeated the broadcasts which were distributed by the Broadcasting Foundation of America in co- operation with British Overseas Airways Corporation.

58. The programmes have also been broadcast by the South African Broadcasting Corporation.

EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTS

59. The use of radio as an aid to education is recognized throughout the world. Although Hong Kong has no formal schools broadcasting service, Radio Hong Kong broadcasts many programmes of assistance both to students and adults who desire to improve their knowledge within their own homes. Material for these programmes is culled from both local resources and from the transcription services of broadcasting stations all over the world.

60. The series of 107 lessons of elementary Cantonese 'Kwang Tung Wah' aroused such considerable interest that it was repeated once again during the year. A booklet, now under revision, was issued to interested listeners many of whom wrote in afterwards to express their appreciation of the broadcasts and the opportunity offered to learn a little more of the local language.

61. Another series of educational broadcasts was 'La Francaise, Chez-vous'-a series of French lessons made available to Radio Hong Kong by the Alliance Francaise.

TALKS

62. Apart from lighter items the majority of broadcast talks have an educational value and such series as 'Impressions of Old Hong Kong' by John CASSWELL fulfil the dual function of offering talks which are both entertaining and informative.

63. Another important series of twenty talks was 'The Government and the People', referred to in para. 44 of this report. At the conclusion of the previous series, broadcast in 1961, the scripts were published by the Government Printer and made available to members of the public and for issue amongst Government Departments. These booklets, in English and Chinese, provide a useful source of reference, and plans are now in hand for the publication of the second series.

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