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PUBLICATIONS, BROADCASTING AND FILMS
A 'stereo week', a 'listener week' and the broadcasting of alter- native programmes on medium wave and FM channels were three experiments conducted during the year. Stereophonic transmissions were carried out late in the evening in May 1961 and, evoked great interest among enthusiasts. One side of the broadcast was carried on the FM transmission, the other on the medium wave transmission, and although there is naturally some difference between both the frequency and dynamic ranges of the two trans- missions, the results were very satisfactory.
In the 'listener week' a competition was held and prizes given for essays submitted by listeners giving their critical comments on the week's programmes. The letters sent in provided useful listener research information and made it possible to plan the introduction of regular listener panels which it is hoped to establish early next year.
The decision to increase the number of occasions on which medium and FM services broadcast alternative programmes was made with some hesitation, as the primary reason for introducing FM transmissions was to provide a reliable signal in those areas of the Colony poorly served by the medium wave transmitters. Nevertheless, throughout the Test Matches FM was used to broad- cast ball-by-ball commentaries, while medium wave transmissions continued with normal programmes, and regularly once a week a long operatic work was broadcast on FM only while the medium wave transmitter carried light entertainment. The experiment has proved that alternative services could be offered but additional transmission channels would be required if all listeners are to be within range of both Services.
Chinese Programme Service. The Head of the Chinese Service has a staff of ten producers and seven announcers, with clerical and record library staff. Five hundred and fifty contributors were employed during the year. The Chinese Service is designed mainly for the Cantonese speaking majority of the population, but a considerable number of programmes in Kuoyu are broadcast and smaller numbers in Chiuchow and Hakka. Like the English Service, the Chinese Service aims to provide the widest range of news, talks, documentaries, music, drama, comedy and coverage of Hong Kong affairs. It is not possible to give Kuoyu, Chiuchow and Hakka speaking listeners as wide a range of programmes as those in
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