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COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

Policy guidelines for RTHK require its programmes to provide a channel of com- munication between the government and the public in order to promote civic responsibility and identity, to serve minority interests and, in general, to educate and inform. The programmes produced fall basically into six areas of interest: current affairs, drama, information and community services, variety and games shows, children and youth programmes, and general educational productions.

RTHK productions are generally popular and have won local and international acclaim. In 1987, RTHK produced a number of innovative public affairs programmes. The new programmes, Today In LegCo and Pentaprism provided sharp and lively coverage of up-to-date events, while the relatively new addition to the police group of programmes, Crime Watch, helped forge closer links between the public and the police. In the English Current Affairs programme area, The Answer's Yours, which comprised interviews with top policy-makers, and another new programme which focused on lifestyles were also launched in the year and proved to be successful. In drama, the introduction of Writers' Series generated much interest in the local literary scene. A number of long standing series such as Below The Lion Rock, Children's Drama and On the Beat remained very popular. As for variety shows, Swinging Summer, which aimed at promoting summer youth activities, changed its format to that of a concert which has proved to be highly successful. Furthermore, a variety of charity and campaign oriented shows, such as the Walk Appreciation Concert and the Charity Top Pop Marathon also contributed greatly to the promotion of popular music and civic responsibility.

As in previous years, RTHK produced programmes on important annual events, such as the Governor's New Year Message, and the Budget. It also organised live coverage of a very sad event for the people of Hong Kong - the funeral service for the Governor, Sir Edward Youde in December 1986. Early in 1987, the satellite press conference given by the new Governor, Sir David Wilson, and his subsequent arrival in Hong Kong, were given live coverage by RTHK. On several occasions such as these, RTHK provided pool coverage for both local and international broadcasting stations and news agencies.

RTHK has continued to place emphasis on educational programmes for audiences of different ages. To promote civic awareness, it produced a second series on Civic Education, explaining citizens' rights and responsibilities. To help the public understand the Green Paper on the Development of Representative Government more readily, it produced the series, Green Paper Made Easy.

Sex Education was another new series, consisting of stories depicting problems about sex roles, behaviour and attitudes through different stages of life. Language education continued with two series teaching Putonghua and one, the Follow Through, teaching the practical use of English. A breakthrough in the teaching of English grammar was achieved by introducing English Through Songs. This had previously been a well-received radio programme, and the TV version added visual impact and a new creative element to the teaching material. For public education, a Food and Health series was produced with the advice of doctors and nutrition experts. A series of Public Education programmes on topics such as home-safety, road safety, radiation, AIDS, anti-narcotics and so forth was also produced. With the continuation of Dial-A-Tutor and Pre-school programmes, a new pre-school certificate course programme on Child Care Education was introduced. While the two children's programmes Music Time and Story Time were cultivating an interest in art in the hearts of the young. Performing Arts was a new cultural series produced this year for youth and adults fond of dance, music and drama.

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