Radio_Hong_Kong_1972-1973 — Page 7

INTRODUCTION- GENERAL REVIEW

A NUMBER of changes among senior staff resulted from the retirement, in November 1972, of the Director of Broadcasting, Mr. Donald BROOKS. The Controller of Radio Hong Kong Television, Mr. James HAWTHORNE, was appointed Acting Director, and action was being taken to abolish the post of Deputy Director.

2. As was noted last year, Radio Hong Kong Television was the main area for expansion. The resultant overcrowding in offices con- tinues to create problems which are unlikely to be resolved until additional accommodation is built next year.

3. During the year the news room, staffed by members of the Government Information Service, introduced news headlines in Chinese and English virtually every hour on the hour. 'Topics', the English Service news magazine, increased its output at short notice from a five-days-a-week to a seven-days-a-week operation in the face of acute staff shortage. A first for RHK was the relay, 'live' by satellite, of the 7 a.m. BBC news from London every morning. The satellite relay guarantees reception free from interference. The end of the year brought intensive preparations for recruitment of news room staff. From April 1st 1973 RHK will assume responsibility for radio news and the gradual replacement of GIS staff will follow.

4. The 1971-72 report stated that the year was 'notable for pag- eantry and disaster'. The same may be said of this year with the official visit of H.R.H. The Princess Alexandra who declared open the cross harbour tunnel, and the tragedies of Sau Mau Ping Estate and Kotewall Road in the June rainstorms, all of which were covered by RHK reporters and commentators.

5. Short training courses for senior Government officers were held during the year, offering basic techniques in the use of the media with the emphasis on television. Heads of departments, their deputies and other Government officers, both Chinese and English, made increasing use of television and radio to explain the work of their departments.

6. Radio Hong Kong sound services gave extensive coverage to the first Arts Festival, including live broadcasts of the inaugural and closing

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