ENG-1985 — Page 278

16

Communications and The Media

潘巾舖

事霸 ER

葉麗

MATTERS Concerning the future of Hong Kong and the further development of representa- tive government were the major issues for the territory's news media in 1985.

Extensive coverage was given to events arising from the signing and subsequent ratification of the Sino-British Agreement on Hong Kong's future, under which the territory will become a Special Administrative Region of China from July 1, 1997. Throughout the year, the media also focused on the further development of representative government in Hong Kong, in particular on the first-ever elections to the Legislative Council in September, the district board elections in March, and the establishment of the Provisional Regional Council in April.

In Hong Kong, the processes of communications and public information play a more important role than in almost any other territory in the world. Much of this activity undoubtedly arises from Hong Kong's geographical situation. Traditionally, the territory has been a trading post in the Far East and over the years has expanded into a manufacturing and financial centre as well. For all these roles sophisticated international communications have been developed.

Satellite and the latest telecommunication equipment is geared to the community's international needs. As well as serving Hong Kong's own commercial interests, these facilities have attracted news media representatives from many parts of the world. Indeed, no other place of similar size can rival the range and intensity of media activity. News agencies, newspapers with international readerships and overseas television companies and corporations have found it convenient to establish their bureaux and offices here. Regional publications produced in Hong Kong have prospered, reflecting the territory's enhanced position as a centre of industrial and trading expertise.

Within Hong Kong itself, the extensive news media is made up of many daily news- papers, a range of weekly magazines, two private television companies, one govern- ment radio/television station, one commercial radio station and one radio service for the British Forces. There is a free, critical and outspoken press without legislative controls other than those intended to provide safeguards against libel and pornography. The news media provides an efficient and speedy supply of information to a literate, industrious and healthily inquisitive society.

The news media plays a vital part in the territory's precautionary measures against sudden climatic threats. When typhoons approach or rainstorms spell danger the news media reacts to alert, inform and advise the population.

Against this background it is not surprising that remarkable advances and innovations have taken place in the information field in recent years. The government has matched this progress by producing and participating in an increasing number of public affairs. programmes on television and radio, and by expanding its information services.