ENG-1952 — Page 196

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1952

Two programmes are broadcast simultaneously over ZBW (845 k/cs) the European Station, and ZEK (640 k/cs) the Chinese Station. ZBW's transmission includes special daily broadcasts for the Forces; in addition, there are weekly programmes in French and Portuguese. ZEK broadcasts in Cantonese, Swatowese, and Mandarin and all news bulletins are broadcast in these three dialects. Shortwave transmissions radiate from a third station, ZBW3, on a frequency of 9.52 m/cs and reception on this wavelength is world wide.

There was no change in the hours of broadcasting during the year. The two stations have three daily periods on the air: an early morning session, during the lunch hour, and the main evening transmission which lasts between 6 and 11.30 p.m. On Saturdays the programmes continue through the afternoon, while on Sundays there is a non-stop transmission between 10 a.m. and 11.30 p.m. On public holidays the programmes begin at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the day.

The year 1952 was an exceptionally heavy and varied one in regard to local broadcasting. Outstanding events relayed to radio listeners included commentaries on the death of King George VI, the parade in honour of the Queen's Birthday, various ceremonies connected with the visit of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, and the opening by His Excellency the Governor of the 10th Exhibition of Hong Kong Products. All these programmes were broadcast in English and Chinese, which, in some cases, meant a simultaneous commentary in both languages. . For the first time in the history of the Colony, a number of candidates who were contesting vacant seats on the Urban Council were each allowed an air-platform of five minutes-in English and Chinese. One other interesting sidelight was that

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