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PUBLICATIONS, BROADCASTING AND FILMS
Chinese, is complementary to the first Chinese service. Most of its programming is also in Cantonese, but the minorities are catered for by the broadcast of Chiuchow, Hakka, Shanghai and Northern music and operas. It is hoped that with this additional facility, educational broadcasts may be substantially increased. This new service broadcasts on a frequency of 1232 kc/s through a triplexed mast radiator which was designed and built by local personnel. It is the second installation of its kind in south-east Asia.
English Programme Department. Under an acting director of English programmes, the department is staffed by seven permanent programme assistants and two part-time announcers. Library and office staff, in addition to six balance and control operators, brings to 25 the total number of people employed by the department. In addition to the bulk of the programming, which is handled by the programme assistants, features such as plays and book reviews, talks and short story readings are contributed by members of the local European community.
Outside broadcasts continued throughout the year, and when- ever possible, coverage was given to local events of listener interest. Instances were the opening of the annual Exhibition of Hong Kong Products, the drawings of Government Lotteries and the Queen's Birthday Parade. A unique series of sportscasts was run for a period on Saturday afternoons, when as many as five com- mentary points were established on both sides of the harbour, and linked through the studios for 'live' broadcast reports on the various activities taking place, such as football, rugby, cricket matches and horse racing. Also in the realm of sport a direct relay was arranged and broadcast on the second fight between Liston and Patterson for the world heavyweight title. A direct broadcast relay also covered the blast-off and return to earth of the American astronaut, Gordon Cooper. One programme assistant went to Japan to collect material on radio preparations for the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. In conjunction with several sponsors, Commercial Radio promoted and broadcast the Colony's largest amateur talent contest. There were 600 original entrants and six finalists.
Visiting international artists who were heard over the English programme included Chubby Checker, Patti Page and Tony Brent.
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