ENG-1978 — Page 245

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THE MEDIA

public service information messages produced by the Government Information Services Department, the majority of government programmes are produced by the Television Division of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK). RTHK produces documentaries, drama series, discussion programmes and public service features. During 1978, four of RTHK's programmes held places in the top 20 ratings chart. These programmes were Below the Lion Rock, Sunny Sha Tin, Police 15, and The Common Sense. RTHK also produces the successful Youth Call and Junior Police Calı programmes.

Two RTHK English programmes running at the end of the year were The Chinese Press and Police Report. Three English programmes, Here in Hong Kong, Tuesday Briefing and Viewpoint were temporarily suspended owing to staff shortages.

Sound Broadcasting

Hong Kong's two sound broadcasting stations are Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and Commercial Radio. RTHK, the government-run station, provides five radio channels and Commercial Radio operates three channels.

RTHK's five channels altogether broadcast more than 600 hours of varied pro- grammes each week. They cover the full information and entertainment spectrum from news and public affairs to popular music shows, in-depth features, drama, light enter- tainment and variety.

During the year, RTHK added Radio 5 to its existing services of two Chinese channels and two English channels. Radio 5 provides a dual language service broad- casting minority interest Chinese programmes during the day, and between 5pm and 2am, a direct relay of the BBC's World Service.

The other four channels continued to build their individual identities; the two FM channels, Radios 2 and 4 developed stereo programming and specialist interest output, while the AM networks, Radios 1 and 3, concentrated on popular programming, news and community affairs.

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In July, RTHK celebrated its Golden Jubilee 50 years of public service broad- casting in Hong Kong. Among the many events to mark the occasion was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Acting Governor. A number of special programmes were also produced to celebrate the event, including a three-hour programme which traced the station's history and reintroduced the voices of past radio personalities. A Jubilee Pop Concert organised by the station featured leading recording stars from the major local companies. A series of dramatised programmes tracing the fall of Hong Kong in World War II also gained general public acclaim.

The year saw a steady increase in the station's community involvement with the reintroduction of outside broadcasts from beaches, an inter-Hong Kong quiz series featuring teams from the government and private enterprise, public performances in playgrounds and parks, more local programmes on music and the arts, and the ever- popular performances by the Lung Cheung Opera Troupe.

Access programmes enjoyed continued support on both Chinese and English radio, and listeners again took advantage of the opportunity to telephone in and seek advice on a variety of subjects from holes in the road to baby care.

Towards the end of the year a start was made on the complete refurbishment of studio facilities, many of which are being re-designed for a one-man operation – a