ENG-1988 — Page 315

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Communications and The Media

潘勿舖

ZER

GIVEN the freedom to investigate, report and analyse current events without fear or favour, Hong Kong's print and electronic news media provide wide coverage and lively comment of local and international events, so that citizens and visitors alike, are kept informed.

Locally, from among the wide and varied news coverage in 1988, perhaps the greatest prominence was given to a few events seen as having both an immediate and a future impact on the people and the territory. These included discussions on the Draft Basic Law, the problem of the increasingly large numbers of Vietnamese boat people arriving, the emigration of 'middle class' people overseas, and the elections to the Legislative Council.

The news media also play a significant role in the territory's precautionary measures against sudden climatic threats, and react to alert, inform and advise the public in the event of approaching typhoons or rainstorms which might pose danger.

The availability in Hong Kong of the latest in telecommunications technology helps to ensure that up-to-the-minute information is provided, and also attracts international news media representatives to establish their regional bases here.

Ninety or so news agencies, newspapers with international coverage and readerships and overseas broadcasting corporations have established offices in Hong Kong. Furthermore, regional publications produced here have flourished, reflecting the territory's enhanced position as a financial, industrial, trading and communications centre.

Among Hong Kong's own media catering to the people are many daily newspapers, a variety of periodicals, two private television companies, one government radio-television station, one commercial radio station, and one radio service station for the British Forces. To keep abreast of the latest technology, the government is considering proposals from corporations, both local and international, for the establishment of a cable television network in Hong Kong. Selection of the successful applicant to run it will likely be made known by August 1989.

Rapid advances and innovations in the communications field have prompted the Hong Kong Government to expand its information services. In keeping with the trend towards more 'open' government, it now produces and contributes to an increasing number of public affairs programmes on radio and television.

Information Policy

The Secretary for Administrative Services and Information has overall policy responsibility for the government's relations with the media. The main aim is to keep the media fully informed of the government's policies and thinking, as well as proposed legislation and forthcoming events, thus providing a valuable means of communication with the general public to enhance public awareness. On this front, the Administrative Services and Information Branch is responsible for supervising the work of the Government Informa-

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